High Heels And Flip-Flops May Cause Leg Injuries, Studies Find

May 31, 2008 12:58 a.m. EST

Indianapolis, Indiana (AHN) - Flip-flops may be more comfortable than high heels for most women. However, both can cause leg injuries, new studies suggests.

The first study presented at the annual meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine said that going down stairs on high heels causes foot and ankle injuries. A second study found that walking in flip-flops causes lower-leg pains.

High heel researcher Lalitha Balasubramanian said that strutting down the street in heels may lead to blisters, bunions, backache and sprained ankles. It may even cause unsteady gaits and result in excessive muscle activity in the lower leg, thus preceding a foot injury.

Meanwhile, a study done by Justin F. Shroyer and colleagues from Auburn University in Alabama showed that flip-flops should only be worn for short periods of time since they lack the support a walking or running shoe provides

People who wear flip-flops for long periods of time alter their normal gaits and develop lower leg pains.

Flip-flops should also be replaced every three or four months.

Jeffrey A. Ross, DPM, a clinical professor of medicine at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, suggested that people should invest in good running shoes instead of high heels and flip-flops.

Good shoes with good shock absorption are very important, he added.