<P> While flip - flops do provide the wearer with some mild protection from hazards on the ground, such as hot sand at the beach, glass, thumb tacks or even fungi and wart - causing viruses in locker rooms or community pools, their simple design is responsible for a host of other injuries of the foot and lower leg . In the United Kingdom in 2002, 55,100 individuals went to hospital with flip - flop related injuries . By 2010, there were 200,000 flip - flop related injuries costing the National Health Service in Britain £ 40 million . </P> <P> Walking for long periods in flip - flops can be very tough on the feet, resulting in pain in the ankles, legs, and feet . A 2009 study at Auburn University found that flip - flop wearers took shorter steps and their heels hit the ground with less vertical force than those wearing athletic shoes . Individuals with flat feet or other foot issues are advised to wear a shoe with better support . </P> <P> The lack of support provided by thong sandals is thought by some to be a major cause of injuries . Some flip - flops have a spongy sole, causing the foot to roll further inward than normal when it hits the ground--an action called over-pronation, which is responsible for many foot problems . Overpronation may also lead to flat feet . Flip - flops can cause a person to overuse the tendons in their feet, resulting in tendonitis . The lack of an ankle strap that holds the foot in place is also a common reason for injury, as this causes wearers to scrunch their toes in an effort to keep the flip - flop in place, which can result in tendonitis . </P> <P> Ankle sprains or broken bones are also common injuries, due to stepping off a curb or tumbling--the ankle bends, but the flip - flop neither holds on to nor supports it . The straps of the flip - flop may cause frictional issues, such as rubbing, during walking . The open - toed nature of the thongs may result in cuts, scrapes, bruises, or stubbed toes . Despite all of these issues, flip - flops do not have to be avoided completely . Many podiatrists recommend avoiding the inexpensive, drug store varieties and spending more on sandals with thick - cushioned soles, as well as ones that have a strap that's not canvas and that comes back almost to the ankle . </P>

Why are flip flops called thongs in australia