Healthy Kids    

New school year tips from a foot and ankle surgeon



Be sure to buy shoes that fit properly

Be sure to buy shoes that fit properly

Kids’ feet grow and change quickly, which means you’ll likely be shoe shopping this back-to-school season. As you head to the store, consider these tips and insights from the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS).

• Find the right fit: “Your child’s feet can grow up to two sizes in six months, so you need to account for rapid growth when buying shoes,” says Dr. Michael Coyer, DPM, FACFAS, a foot and ankle surgeon and Fellow Member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.

Dr. Coyer cautions against the temptation to buy oversized shoes though, as they can cause the foot to slide forward, putting 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,” he says.

On the other hand, don’t wait too long to replace tight shoes. Tight shoes can cause blisters, corns and calluses on toes, blisters on the back of the heels and ingrown nails, which can become infected. If you notice signs of infection such as pain, redness or fluid draining from the area, schedule an appointment with a foot and ankle surgeon, who can perform a simple, safe in-office procedure to remove the affected area of the nail.

• Replace worn-out shoes: Because shoes lose shock absorption over time, wearing worn-out shoes can elevate the risk for heel pain, Achilles tendonitis and even ankle sprains and stress fractures.

“Inspect old shoes and replace any that lack sufficient cushioning and arch support, or have excessive wear to the bottom or around the edges of the sole,” says Dr. Coyer. “When shopping, don’t assume a new pair will offer proper support. Check to see that the toe box is wide enough and the shoe doesn’t bend in the middle of the sole.”


• Protect young athletes: “Every new season, we see an increase in ankle injuries among young athletes,” says Dr. Coyer.

Help prevent sports-related injuries by equipping your child with proper footwear this fall. Start each sports season with new shoes and always buy the right shoe for the sport. You can also protect young athletes by never allowing them to play through foot pain. Foot pain isn’t normal and if it lasts for more than a few days and interferes with normal activities, seek medical attention.

• Consider other factors: Children with flat feet need shoes with a wide toe box, maximum arch support and shock absorption. The best shoes for flat feet are stiff-soled, lace-up shoes that have enough depth for an orthotic insert, if necessary.

“A common persisting myth is that children will ‘grow out of’ foot problems. But foot problems developed in childhood can become more serious if left unaddressed,” says Dr. Coyer. “One of the most important steps you can take to prevent pediatric foot issues is by taking time during the back-to-school season to buy footwear that fits well and offers good support. Further, having your child evaluated by a foot and ankle surgeon member of ACFAS at the first sign of trouble can help reduce the likelihood of worsening problems and help keep your child active.”

For more back-to-school tips, information on foot and ankle health, and to find a foot and ankle surgeon near you, visit FootHealthFacts.org, the patient education website for the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.

(StatePoint) 


Other articles by HVP News Reporters


  • Choose to move

    5 ways to help manage osteoarthritis

    Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis and affects over 32.5 million U.S. adults. OA is a degenerative joint disease that causes pain and stiffness and can lead to limited function. read more »
  • Make these 10 doctor-recommended health resolutions in the new year

    Tips to help you get started

    The New Year is the perfect time to hit the reset button on your health and wellness. Not sure where to start? Doctors say you can make the biggest impact with small, incremental tweaks to your routine. read more »
  • Serve plant-based sweets this holiday season

    Try these dairy free salted caramel cupcakes

    Make this year’s festivities truly memorable by adding a touch of sweetness to holiday celebrations with this delightful combination of fluffy cupcakes, creamy frosting and a heavenly caramel drizzle. read more »
  • A full menu of festive holiday flavor

    From the main dish to dessert

    Cooking up a successful holiday gathering calls for everyone’s favorite recipes. From the centerpiece main dish to fresh salads and appetizers, roasted sides, and baked sweets, you can take seasonal get-togethers up a notch by mixing traditional classics with newfound favorites. read more »
  • Charity scam prevention tips

    How you can tell the difference

    The charitable spirit of New Yorkers is at an all-time high during the holiday season, so this week’s tips are meant to serve as a guide when choosing causes to donate to so donations get to the right place and not in the hands of scammers. read more »
  • A delicious way to support your immune system

    2 recipes your family is going to love

    Bolstering your immune system during winter, when coughs and colds seem to take control, is a must for the entire family. Supporting your wellness can start in a simple place – with the foods you eat and drink. read more »
  • Prevent package thefts during the holiday season

    Tips from the Department of State's Consumer Protection Division

    Tips on how you can protect yourself from thieves that are trying to steal both your holiday packages and your identity. read more »
  • Want to achieve your goals? Write them down

    Meet the newest winner of the G2 Overachievers Grant

    If you have a big idea, goal or dream about helping others, writing down your vision can help. Studies show you’re 42% more likely to achieve your goals if you write them down. read more »
  • 5 things we learned about Alzheimer’s Disease in 2023

    It was a landmark year for research

    2023 was a landmark year for Alzheimer’s disease research, including advancements in treatment, risk factors and diagnosis. Here are five significant discoveries made this year. read more »
  • Winter comfort hacks for contact lens wearers

    One in five contact lens wearers find lenses to be less comfortable by the end of the day. If that describes you, you may already know that cold air, wind, and indoor heating, especially during winter, can bring additional challenges. read more »