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Flip Flop Red Flags
Posted on 05-09-2025 in Foot/Ankle by Dr. Sonya Ahmed, Dr. Erik Nilssen
Posted on 05-09-2025 in Foot/Ankle by Dr. Sonya Ahmed, Dr. Erik Nilssen
Flip-flops are a familiar sign that beach season has arrived here in Northwest Florida. While that can start as early as spring and extend well into the fall, by July, the goal is typically to slip on the most breathable option possible when venturing outdoors.
However, it's important to remember that flip-flops are inappropriate for everyday use as they significantly contribute to heel pain and other foot and ankle issues. Instead, flip-flops should be limited to visits to the beach, pool, spas, shared showers and hotel rooms. Even then, selecting a pair that will mitigate the negative impact on your feet is critical. Here are a few red flags to keep in mind as you dig through your closet or purchase new flip-flops:
In addition to these red flags, avoid wearing flip-flops while participating in the following:
If you are experiencing foot or ankle pain, don't hesitate to contact our office at 850-435-4800 or complete our online Appointment Request form to schedule a visit with Dr. Sonya Ahmed and Dr. Erik Nilssen.
As our foot and ankle orthopaedic experts, Dr. Ahmed and Dr. Nilssen specialize in various foot and ankle conditions and offer a wide range of innovative procedures, including minimally invasive treatment and surgical intervention. On-site physical therapy is also available at the Davis Highway, Midway and Fort Walton Beach locations.
Arthritis represents a wide variety of joint inflammation diseases. Patients most often have chronic Arthritis in their wrists, hands, and fingers, experiencing flares of inflammation, soreness or stiffness affecting the joints. As we recently wrapped up Bone & Joint Action Week, this is an excellent opportunity to bring awareness to the most common categories of Arthritis, proactive methods for pain prevention and available treatment solutions.
Arthritis literally translates to “inflammation of the joint” and describes the degenerative process through which a joint space loses its “cushioning,” whether are the result of injury, illness or the natural process of aging. It is the leading cause of musculoskeletal pain and can be found in almost every part of the body, from the shoulder all the way down to the smallest joint of the toe. Our joints are intricate structures shaped from cartilage, bone, muscle and connective tissue, all of which can gradually weaken over time or be damaged by acute injury. While there are more than one hundred known types of arthritis, the three most common forms are osteoarthritis, which is by far the most prevalent; rheumatoid arthritis, which is caused by the body’s own immune system generating a chronic inflammatory response in the joints; and post-traumatic arthritis, which is caused by the lingering structural damage of acute injuries.
Research from the National Library of Medicine states that one in seven people in the United States suffers from some form of wrist arthritis. That estimate indicates that just over 13% of the American population experiences discomfort, inflammation or limited range in motion due to this condition. As we usher in the month of May and recognize National Arthritis Awareness Month, we want to emphasize wrist arthritis and provide an overview of the condition, symptoms to be aware of, treatment options, and tips for managing its symptoms.