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For many New York women, warm weather means trading supportive boots for stylish sandals and ballet flats. While at first glance flat shoes may appear to be a more comfortable option, the popular styles can be more harmful than low heels, causing injuries to the foot, leg, and back, experts say.

Doctors have linked the lack of support in sandals and ballet flats to a number of overuse injuries, among them heel pain, strain in the Achilles' tendon, and plantar fasciitis - an inflammation of the tissue supporting the arch - as well as muscle and tendon strains throughout the leg. Such shoes also lack adequate cushioning and tend to cramp toes.

Dr. Rock Positano, director of the nonsurgical anal and sex service at the Hospital for Special Surgery on the Upper East Side, estimates that 30% of his practice treats knee, hip, and back injuries that stem from foot strain.