We, here at The Center for Advanced Orthopedics, love flip-flops. Yes, even Dr. Grebing, our foot and ankle specialist, LOVES them (but we should probably book him a pedicure pronto!).  They’re fun, affordable and come in about a million colors. What’s not to love, right? When worn in moderation they are the perfect summer accessory.

But . . . those ridiculously cheap shoes could cost your feet a higher price if you were to say . . . “walk 500 miles” while wearing them (catch that The Proclaimers reference??). Why? Because the lack of support under the foot and minimal straps on top of the foot do not provide adequate support. It can actually change how one walks if wearing them often for long periods of time.

It causes wearers to scrunch their toes while walking to help hold the shoe

on their foot. They also have a tendency to shuffle their steps. This can cause a variety of issues to flip-flop fanatics’ feet, ankles, knees, hips and even their back over time.

Foot injuries that can occur include bunions, tendonitis and heel spurs. The bottom of the foot can also suffer pain in the Plantar Fascia (the ligament on the bottom of the foot) and eventually could lead to fallen arches if worn too long too often. With little shock absorption offered, you are also susceptible to stress fractures and ankle problems.

If you do choose to sport flip-flops, Dr. Grebing recommends wearing a pair that offers thicker soles with arch support and substantial straps. He also suggests not wearing them when walking long distances.

If you are experiencing foot or ankle pain or just want to stop by and show off your latest pair of flip-flops, please call our office at 618-288-9460 for an appointment. You can also visit us online at http://c4ao.com/.

“Advancing the Art of Orthopedic Care”

The Center for Advanced Orthopedic’s goal is to provide our patients with the highest quality of care. Our highly trained staff is focused on the patient as an individual with an emphasis on personal touch. Conservative treatment options including immobilization, therapy, and selective injections are routinely utilized prior to considering surgical intervention. When surgery is necessary, however, specialty training by our physicians ensures familiarity with the most up-to-date techniques and treatment. Patients requesting or requiring surgery will receive education on the type of procedure, any potential risks, and the post-surgical rehabilitation process.

Combine excellence in the following disciplines:

Foot & Ankle Surgery – Board Certified surgeon with comprehensive knowledge in the most successful and innovative techniques.
Sports Medicine – Extensive experience in the treatment of overuse & trauma-induced injuries drawing on years of specialized, interdisciplinary care.
Fracture Care – Our highly trained Physicians and staff provide full diagnostic and radiological services, casting and splinting.
General Orthopedic Surgery – If surgery is required – we are qualified to treat both pediatric and adult musculoskeletal systems with state-of-the-art medical and surgical care.
Joint Replacement Surgery – We specialize in Total Joint Replacement (TJR) Surgery utilizing the most current & specialized orthopaedic care available.
Arthroscopic Surgery – We utilize minimally invasive Arthroscopic procedures, when possible, to lessen trauma and speed recovery time.