Summer ankle sprains are not entirely the fault of Crocs

Crocs can be said to be many people's "summer favorite".

But did you know that these lightweight and soft Crocs may pose a health risk?

Lightweight, small hole shoes can actually cause sprains and fractures!

Can we still wear Crocs? What should we pay attention to when wearing Crocs?

Why do so many people like to wear Crocs? Why do so many people like to wear Crocs in summer?

Mainly because:

The hole shoe design allows air circulation, reduces foot sweating and discomfort, and has good breathability ;

Crocs are light and comfortable . The lightweight materials they use can reduce the burden on the feet and are suitable for long-term wear.

The simple design of Crocs allows for quick on and off ;

Crocs can be used in a variety of occasions such as leisure, beach, swimming pool, etc.

Why does wearing Crocs in summer cause sprained ankles? First, let’s understand what sprained ankles are.

A sprained ankle, also known as an ankle sprain , is a common injury in daily life. It is particularly prone to occur during exercise or when wearing improper shoes. It is usually caused by sudden inversion or eversion of the ankle joint, leading to excessive stretching or tearing of the ankle ligaments.

A sprained ankle usually has the following symptoms:

Ligament injuries: The ligaments of the ankle are elastic fibers that connect the bones to the ankle. These ligaments can be stretched or torn when you sprain your ankle.

Pain and swelling: Pain starts immediately after a sprain and swelling may develop quickly.

Limited movement: The injured ankle may become stiff, making it difficult to move normally.

Ankle sprains are classified into several grades depending on the severity of the injury:

In a mild sprain (grade I), the ligament is stretched but not torn, there is minimal swelling and pain, and the patient can bear weight and walk.

Moderate sprain (second degree) partially tears the ligament, with moderate swelling, pain and bruising, and may be painful when walking.

Severe sprains (III degree) completely tear the ligaments, cause severe swelling, severe pain and obvious bruising, make it impossible to bear weight and walk, and the joint may become unstable.

In fact, it is easy to sprain your ankle in summer.

In fact, sprains are common in summer.

From a Western medicine perspective:

High temperatures in summer cause the body to sweat more, which may cause electrolyte imbalance, affect muscle and nervous system function, and increase the risk of sprains;

Summers are rainy and the ground is slippery , increasing the risk of slips and sprains;

With more outdoor activities in the summer, not properly warming up or preparing can lead to injuries;

Long-term outdoor activities or work will cause physical fatigue, which will affect the ability to balance and lead to sprains.

From the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine :

Traditional Chinese medicine believes that high temperatures in summer may cause poor blood circulation, especially when sweating too much, which can weaken blood and weaken tendons and bones, making them more susceptible to injury.

In summer, the heat and humidity are heavier, and the heat and humidity will be deposited on the feet, which may cause local blood stasis, swelling and pain.

The liver controls the tendons and the kidneys control the bones. If the liver and kidney functions are out of balance in summer, it may cause the tendons and bones to become fragile and easily injured.

In daily life, many Crocs are advertised with the "feeling of stepping on shit" as a selling point. The soft soles do make people feel very comfortable when they are first put on, but soles that are too soft will lead to a lack of support for the soles of the feet and fail to provide adequate protection for the feet. Not only will you become more tired the more you walk, but it will also affect the stability of the ankle joints and plantar muscles. Therefore, it is more likely to sprain your ankle when wearing Crocs.

What should we pay attention to when wearing hole shoes? Reasonable selection and use of hole shoes :

We can wear hole shoes, but we must choose hole shoes with good support , and give priority to soles with arch support and moderate hardness. At the same time, make sure that the hole shoes are of the right size to reduce foot sliding and reduce the probability of sprains.

When wearing Crocs, avoid walking on wet or uneven surfaces to avoid falling or slipping.

At the same time, when we wear Crocs and take the escalator, we should pay special attention to the edge of the elevator to avoid pinching our feet.

What to do if you sprain your ankle while wearing Crocs:

When we sprain our ankle while wearing Crocs, there is no need to be overly nervous or worried.

First of all, we must stop the activity immediately and avoid walking or standing to reduce further injury.

Applying cold compresses can help reduce swelling and pain within 24-48 hours of a sprain.

You can also reduce swelling by lightly wrapping your foot with an elastic bandage or by elevating your foot above the level of your heart.

If the pain or swelling is severe or a fracture is suspected, we need to see a doctor immediately.