Are Thongs Bad For Your Feet?

You know you have landed in Queensland when the shoe of choice is a thong. I mean something like a ‘Haviana” or a classic or minimal slab of rubber.

Now, at ProHealth Podiatry we have nothing against wearing a thong from time to time, in fact, with our heat and beach culture it makes sense why we seem to favour it. At Prohealth Podiatry what we do know is that thongs do alter your biomechanics or gait. If you think about it logically the only attachment of the shoe to your feet is a bit of Y rubber in between the toes. Using thongs occasionally doesn’t necessarily cause problems, however, when it becomes the only shoe of choice, this is where issues begin.

What we do know is that plantar pressures beneath the feet seem higher with thongs compared to normal shoes. What we usually see in clinic is an increase in plantar fasciitis, archilles tendinopathy, painful top of the feet as pain below the balls of your feet.

Not every foot is the same, so someone with a foot that rolls inwards (pronated foot type) would usually not be adequately supported in a thong, and this would be a similar issue for someone with a high arch. In our patients with neuropathy or foot drop, we advise against a thong as it doesn’t provide enough feedback or proprioception contributing to the falls risk.

The latest trend of thongs are the ones that most podiatrists keep, with arch support, shock absorption, adequate heel cup and cushioning. At Prohealth Podiatry we will even provide you with your own orthotic in a thong using our latest technology.

So as a compromise, be sensible. If you were to favour thongs wear the ones provided or recommended by your podiatrist, do not wear them to exercise, or lift weights, walk the dog in, or do the gardening in. In Summary, just be a bit more mindful or careful whilst wearing them.

To make an immediate appointment and be proactive towards your health call ProHealth Podiatry in Red Hill or Mt Gravatt on (07) 3076 7306 or e-mail info@prohealthpodiatry.com.au.