CLEVELAND -- There are few summer accessories more popular than flip-flops. After all, they're usually cheap, easy to slip on and you can wear them just about anywhere. They're not for dress-up, but you do see people wearing them all day long.

But what many people may not realize is that those flimsy shoes could be to blame for their aches and pains. Foot doctors will tell you there are specific places you should wear your flip-flops. The mall and the grocery store are not on the list.

"I wear them rain or shine, all summer long," said shopper and flip-flop wearer Cassie Widlak.

But that's the problem. Flip-flops are good for the foot doctor business but bad for feet.

Cleveland Clinic podiatrist Dr. Dina Stock said, "I think there's been an explosion over the last few years in my practice. I don't ever remember at any one point seeing so many patients coming in with pain."

Stock said the pain flip-flops cause usually shows up in one of three ways. "Plantar fasciitis, which is a condition of the arch and the heel. Neuroma, which is an inflammation of the nerves that can become very painful. Tendonitis with the different tendons of the foot can become inflamed," Stock explained.

Often the damage isn't permanent, but it hurts -- more than just your foot.

"It can wreak havoc on your foot; that goes right up. You have foot pain, then (pain in) your knees, your hips, your lower back and it can really cause major problems," Stock said.

None of the flip-flops at which we looked passed the doctor's test. At issue is arch support, or lack of it. Most of the cheaper flip-flops have no support, and if you have a flatter foot, you're most in danger of damage. But people with high arches can run into problems as well.

The question is, will knowing this prevent you from wearing your flip-flops day and night?

Widlak said, "Is it going to stop me? No. I'm not going to lie."

The pain is what stops most people. Stock said some of her patients have pain from wearing them all day just one time; for others, it takes longer.

But she said the bottom line is flip-flops are for the beach, the pool, and the shower at the gym -- not for the mall.