June 2025

Flip flops may be a summer favorite, but they can negatively affect foot health. Most styles offer no arch support, cushioning, or heel stability. The lack of straps forces toes to grip the sandal with each step, leading to muscle fatigue and strain. Over time, this can contribute to plantar fasciitis, tendonitis or joint pain. Wearing flip flops for extended periods of time can also alter your gait and increase the risk of injury. A podiatrist can assess any pain caused by improper footwear and recommend supportive alternatives or custom orthotics. If you experience foot discomfort after wearing flip flops, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist to protect your foot health and prevent long-term damage.

Flip-flops can cause a lot of problems for your feet. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Dr. Randy Garr from Bigfoot Podiatry. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

Flip-Flops and Feet

Flip-flops have managed to become a summer essential for a lot of people. While the shoes may be stylish and easy to slip on and off, they can be dangerous to those who wear them too often. These shoes might protect you from fungal infections such as athlete’s foot, but they can also give you foot pain and sprained ankles if you trip while wearing them.

When Are They Okay to Wear?

Flip-flops should only be worn for very short periods of time. They can help protect your feet in places that are crawling with fungi, such as gym locker rooms. Athlete’s foot and plantar warts are two common fungi that flip-flops may help protect your feet against.

Why Are They Bad for My Feet?

These shoes do not offer any arch support, so they are not ideal for everyday use. They also do not provide shock absorption or heel cushioning which can be problematic for your feet. Additionally, you may suffer from glass cuts, puncture wounds, and stubbed toes since they offer little protection for your feet.

More Reasons Why They Are Bad for Your Feet

• They Slow You Down
• May Cause Blisters and Calluses
• Expose Your Feet to Bacteria

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Provo, UT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

When dealing with foot pain, you may wonder whether stretching or strengthening will help you recover more quickly. The answer often depends on the cause of the discomfort. Tight muscles, ligaments, or tendons, such as the plantar fascia or calf muscles, may respond well to gentle stretching, which can relieve tension and improve flexibility. On the other hand, weak muscles in the foot or ankle may lead to poor support and alignment, making strengthening exercises more effective in building stability and preventing further injury. In some cases, a combination of both approaches brings the best results. Paying attention to the source of pain and how your body responds is key. If foot pain lingers or worsens with activity, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for an evaluation and a treatment plan that may include targeted exercises for faster, lasting relief.

Why Stretching Is Important for Your Feet

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with Dr. Randy Garr from Bigfoot Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Stretching the muscles in the foot is an important part in any physical activity. Feet that are tight can lead to less flexibility and make you more prone to injury. One of the most common forms of foot pain, plantar fasciitis, can be stretched out to help ease the pain. Stretching can not only ease pain from plantar fasciitis but also prevent it as well. However, it is important to see a podiatrist first to determine if stretching is right for you. Podiatrists can also recommend other ways to stretch your feet. Once you know whether stretching is right for you, here are some excellent stretches you can do.

• Using a foam roller or any cylindrical object (a water bottle or soda can will do), roll the object under your foot back and forth. You should also exert pressure on the object. Be sure to do this to both feet for a minute. Do this exercise three times each.
• Similar to the previous exercise, take a ball, such as a tennis ball, and roll it under your foot while seated and exert pressure on it.
• Grab a resistance band or towel and take a seat. If you are using a towel, fold it length wise. Next put either one between the ball of your foot and heel and pull with both hands on each side towards you. Hold this for 15 seconds and then switch feet. Do this three times for each foot.
• Finally hold your big toe while crossing one leg over the other. Pull the toe towards you and hold for 15 seconds. Once again do this three times per foot.

It is best to go easy when first stretching your foot and work your way up. If your foot starts hurting, stop exercising to ice and rest the foot. It is advised that you then see a podiatrist for help.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Provo, UT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Morton’s neuroma is a painful condition that affects the ball of the foot, usually between the third and fourth toes. It occurs when the tissue surrounding a nerve thickens due to irritation or compression, often caused by wearing tight shoes, high heels, or repetitive stress on the feet. People with Morton’s neuroma often describe a sharp, burning pain in the ball of the foot, along with tingling, numbness, or the sensation of standing on a pebble. Symptoms usually worsen with walking or wearing poorly fitting shoes and may temporarily improve with rest or shoe removal. A podiatrist can diagnose Morton’s neuroma through a physical exam and may use imaging tests like ultrasounds or MRI scans to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment options include shoe modifications, custom orthotics, anti-inflammatory medications, and corticosteroid injections. In some cases, surgery may be required to remove the affected nerve. If you have this painful condition, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment solutions.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Dr. Randy Garr of Bigfoot Podiatry. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Provo, UT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Plantar fasciitis is caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot and supports the arch. This condition often leads to sharp heel pain, especially with the first steps in the morning or after long periods of rest. Risk factors include prolonged standing, flat feet, high arches, obesity, and wearing footwear that lacks proper support. Symptoms include aching, stiffness, or a burning sensation in the heel. If left untreated, the pain can become chronic and interfere with daily activities. A podiatrist can diagnose plantar fasciitis, provide targeted stretching exercises, and offer custom orthotics or treatments to relieve pain and promote healing. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat the condition.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Dr. Randy Garr  from Bigfoot Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Provo, UT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.