Avoid Kid's Foot Problems This Back-to-School

Before heading back-to-school shopping with your children this fall, you should follow these tips in purchasing shoes that will last and fit your child's foot.

Your child's foot can grow up to two sizes in six months, so you need to account for growth during that time period. That does not mean that you should buy shoes that are overly big, as this can cause the foot to slide forward, and cause excessive pressure on the toes. A good fit is about a finger's width from the end of the shoe to the tip of the big toe.

Tight shoes can cause blisters, corns, and callouses on your child's toes, blisters on the back of their heels or worse, ingrown toenails, which can become infected. Signs of infection from ingrown toenails include pain, redness or fluid draining from the area. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should make an appointment with your podiatrist, who can perform an in-office procedure to remove the infected nail.

Shoes wear out over time and lose their shock absorption, so new and old shoes need to be inspected for proper cushioning and arch support. Replace any old shoes with wear and tear around the edges of the sole. When buying shoes, check to see that the toe box flexes easily and the shoe does not bend in the middle of the sole.

Worn-out shoes elevate the risk of heel pain, Achilles tendonitis, which can be diagnosed in children, as well as ankle sprains and fractures.

Children with flat feet need shoes with a wide toebox, maximum arch support and shock absorption. The best shoes to purchase are oxford, lace-up shoes that have enough depth for an orthotic insert, if necessary. Converse sneaker, flip-flops, Uggs, and ballet flats are all shoes that should never be worn by children.

Dr. Tina A. Boucher, DPM

Central Connecticut Foot Care, LLC

Meriden CT Podiatrist

http://www.centralctfootcare.com/
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