Prolonged use of sandals in summer can lead to osteoarthritis, bunions or tendonitis

Summer arrives and one of the first changes we make is in the way we dress. The high temperatures cause, mainly in the case of women, that we change from closed shoes to open sandals: going abruptly from using a shoe that completely supports the foot to sandals, in many cases with heels, that barely support the ankle.

The Professional College of Physiotherapists of the Community of Madrid (CPFCM) reminds us of the importance of not neglecting our feet when choosing footwear during the summer season, as wearing this type of shoe, increases the risk of suffering injuries.

In this sense, José Santos, secretary general of the CPFCM, assures that “women suffer up to four times more foot injuries and problems than men”. To prevent this type of injury, they recommend alternating the type of shoe and the height of the heel on a daily basis, which should not exceed five centimetres. In addition, in the case of using platforms, you should choose those with  a certain cushioning capacity and a difference with the heel that does not exceed 3 centimetres.

The danger of high heels

Physiotherapists also stress the danger of prolonged use of high heels, which can cause various injuries and postural imbalances, as well as other more serious pathologies such as osteorathritis or arthritis in the knees, nerve disorders, tendonitis, bunions, hammertoes, metatarsalgia; or even ankle injuries such as sprains or fractures.

During the summer season there is also an increase in the  number of parties and weddings (around 46% of weddings are held in summer), which also encourages the use of high heels. In this sense, it is advisable to choose a heel with a wide base, distributing the weight better, and with a platform of no more than three centimetres high.