Children have delicate feet, so it is very important to make sure that they have footwear that is right for them. This is not an easy task, however, as children often put more emphasis on style over practicality. Furthermore, children’s feet can grow pretty quickly, which means that shoes that aren’t that old may not fit them anymore. Poorly fitted shoes can cause foot conditions like hammertoes, blisters, heel pain, and can make trips and falls more likely. To help prevent this, measure your children’s feet regularly to make sure they still fit in their shoes. There should about a thumb’s worth of space between the toes and the front of the shoe. Make sure there is room for their toes to move around freely, while the rest of the shoe should be snug to prevent shoes from slipping off. Finally, children’s shoes should be breathable and should offer some flexibility near the toes while remaining rigid near the heel; they should still be supportive and comfortable. A podiatrist can help to measure your children’s feet and help provide tips on what to look for in shoes.

Finding a properly-fitting shoe is important in reducing injuries and preventing foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact Jed Wells, DPM from Jed Wells, DPM Foot Specialist. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

A common concern when it comes to foot health, having properly fitted shoes can help prevent injuries to the foot. Out feet affect our posture and gait, which in turn affects the biomechanics and overall bodily structure. With 33 joints, 26 bones, and over 100 ligaments, the potential for serious injury is much greater than one realizes. Although the feet cease growth in adulthood, they still change shape as they mature. Here are some factors to consider when it comes to investing in proper fitting shoes:

• Be sure the shoes fit correctly right away
• Ensure the ball of your foot fits comfortably in the widest portion of the shoes
• Even though they may look fashionable, improper fitting shoes can either create adverse conditions or exacerbate existing ones you may already have
• Walk along a carpeted surface to ensure the shoes comfortably fit during normal activity

Keeping in mind how shoes fit the biomechanics of your body, properly-fitting shoes are vitally important. Fortunately, it is not difficult to acquire footwear that fits correctly. Be sure to wear shoes that support the overall structure of your body. Do your feet a favor and invest in several pairs of well-fitted shoes today.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Corpus Christi, and Laredo, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.