You Asked for It
April/May 2005

Hello,

I have a client that is complaining of back/shoulder/wrist fatigue. Her duties include filing 50% of her day and the rest on the phone, keyboarding and mousing. We are working on a new desk for her area, however I'm concerned that the flip flops that she wears while standing and filing are contributing to her back problems. Do you agree?

Response:
While I have never been a proponent of dress codes... from a biomechanical perspective, flip-flops should be banned in all circumstances except around the pool (and even then they are a tripping hazard). It is not necessary to wear "granny" shoes - footwear with a supportive structure and good cushioning will likely help with the back discomfort. Things to look for include:

• good heel counter
• good arch support
• thick rubber sole
• reasonable sized toe box

I often recommend wearing running shoes when a person has back problems. They may not look professional, but then neither do flip flops. The reason I recommend running shoes is that they have all of the above features to support the arches and structure of the foot when standing and walking on concrete and wood floors. The thick rubber sole is particularly important as it will cushion the foot when walking and create a slightly unstable surface when standing. The resultant contractions of the lower leg muscles will stimulate circulation in the legs and back, helping with back discomfort.

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