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Back-to-School Shoe Shopping...
Orthopaedic Surgeons Provide Tips on Selecting Proper Footwear for Children
Back-to-school means gearing up with new supplies, clothes and shoes. However, the first day of school seems to be more about fashion than learning for kids these days. Styles and trends win out over comfort and practicality. But the truth is more than 43 million people in the U.S. have foot problems. These problems often originate from wearing ill-fitting shoes during childhood. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), it is important that parents buy their children properly fitting and supportive shoes that offer both protection and comfort this school year.
While trendy new styles of shoes may include less support and higher heels and soles, parents must first look for durable construction and a good fit. Because children will sacrifice fit for style, parents need to always check that shoes fit properly. Foot comfort is essential to maintaining stability, mobility and safety. Improperly fitting shoes can cause bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes and other disabling foot problems.
"A shoe should conform to the shape of the foot, fit well in the heel and allow plenty of room for the toes to move. Your child's foot should never be forced to conform to the shape of a shoe," said James H. Beaty, MD, pediatric orthopaedic surgeon, and Second Vice President of AAOS. "Shoes are not intended to correct a child's foot deformity or alter foot growth patterns, so if you notice a problem, it is important to have an orthopaedic surgeon examine his/her feet."
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons offers the following helpful tips on buying properly fitting shoes for children:
Measure each foot every time shoes are purchased, as children's feet
are constantly growing. Shoes that fit a child last school season may
not fit this season.
Have the child stand and place his or her full weight on the feet while
being measured to ensure accuracy.
Look for a soft, pliable shoe with enough length in the area
surrounding the toe for growth and wide enough for the toes to wiggle.
There should be a thumb's width space between the toes and the end of
the shoe.
The shoe should bend at the ball of the foot, not in the middle of the
foot.
Make sure to measure both feet, as each foot may be different in size.
Choose the shoe that fits the larger foot. Note that pads can be added
to shoes so that smaller feet fit in the shoes well.
Don't let a child sacrifice fit for fashion by buying tight shoes.
There is no "break-in" period, and a tight shoe can damage the foot.
Sizes may vary among brands and styles. Have the child walk around in
both shoes wearing normal socks prior to purchasing.
Make sure the shoe fits the heel well.
Feet can swell throughout the day. For best overall fit, it is
important to try shoes on later in the day.
Feel inside the shoe for rough spots, glue, staples or anything that
can cause irritation.
For teens insisting on wearing a higher heel or platform shoe, a one-
and-a-half to two-inch chunky heel with padded insoles and plenty of
room for the toes to move is the best choice. Limit the amount of time
kids wear higher heels and have them alternate with good quality flat-
heeled shoes for part of the day.
You can find additional physician-reviewed safety tips and injury prevention information in the Prevent Injuries America!(R) Program section of the Academy's web site, asos.org or orthoinfo.org , or call the Academy's Public Service line at 800-824-BONES.
An orthopaedic surgeon is a physician with extensive training in the diagnosis and treatment of non-surgical as well as surgical treatment of the musculoskeletal system including bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles and nerves.
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