Children's Feet Are Worth It

We spend countless dollars and time choosing the right shoes for our feet. Whether day-to-day, running or sport specific, shoes are an integral part of our comfort, and ultimately, our health. Do you put the same effort in when choosing shoes for your children?

The foot's bone structure isn’t fully formed until your child reaches age 7 or 8. Foot care and correct shoes in the younger years are crucial to preventing injury to a growth plate (the area where bone growth begins), which can cause the bone to grow abnormally. More than 80% of foot problems, bunions and injuries are a result of misshaped and inflexible shoes. It’s vital that kid’s shoes allow enough room for natural growth, until the foot bones mature.

Remember to check your child's shoe size often. Make sure there is space between the toes and the end of the shoe and that the shoes are roomy enough to allow the toes to move freely.  When it comes to sports shoes are even more important for your kids, as they allow for increased opportunities for injuries. Make sure they are beginning with the correct footwear to be healthy and safe for years to come.

*Extra Tip: make sure your child’s cleats have a sufficient amount of cleats on the heel, no more than half and inch long, to give proper support.

Biking and Your Feet - What To Know.

Many of our patients tell us they have decided to take up biking because it is a safer exercise than say running or playing tennis. While this may be true for those beginning a work-out regimen, suffering knee issues or even those recovering from back or shoulder surgery, biking is still a vigorous activity that should only be done with proper form and proper equipment- including shoes!

You may wonder what your shoes have to do with riding a bike, but consider this- Your feet are responsible for the transfer of energy from the body to the pedals, which makes the bicycle move. When choosing a shoe look for a stiff sole and a snug fit around the bridge of the foot and heel. The more stable and less movement inside the shoe, the more power can be transferred through the entire foot to the pedal. Usually properly fitted cross-training or running shoes are suitable for the casual biker.

Lack of proper body alignment and overactivity are responsible for the most common foot problems related to biking: Achilles tendonitis, sesamoiditis, shin splints and foot numbness or pain. If your feet are at all uncomfortable while riding or throughout the day- visit us! 

Looking for fellow Cyclists in Charleston? Visit Coastal Cyclists. 

Join Carolina Foot Specialists at the 5th Annual We Know Women Event

Did you know women have about forty times as many foot problems as men?
Join Dr. Andrew Saffer at East Cooper Medical's 5th annual We Know Women Event and learn how to prevent chronic problems, injuries and more. The evening will consists of great products, information, demonstrations and consults- including a free foot screening with us! 

We are very excited to have our practice be a part such a great event in the lowcountry. 

The event is free, but make sure to register soon, as space is filling up- 

Call 843-884-7031 or visit East Cooper Medical Center. 

Chronic Foot Pain is Not Normal

A Neuroma is an enlarged, benign growth of nerves, most commonly between the third and fourth toes.  The most common type of foot neuroma is known as Morton’s neuroma and involves the actual thickening of tissue around the nerves causing pain and pressure (not an actual tumor) and eventually causing nerve damage.

 Symptoms of a neuroma involve burning, numbness or tingling in the ball of the foot. Many relate the feeling to having a rock or pebble stuck in their shoe. Women are much more susceptible due to high heels and smaller toe boxes in their shoes. It is important to note that any type of chronic pain is not regular and should be addressed by a medical professional.

Neuromas are caused by tissue rubbing against and irritating the nerves causing inflammation. Due to the location of the inflammation a nerve ends aggravated, pinched or worse. Pressure from poorly fitting shoes, abnormal bone structure, or over activity (especially in the wrong shoes) can also lead to this condition.

Treatments generally include wearing corrective shoes or orthotics and/or receiving cortisone injections. In severe cases, surgical removal of the growth may be necessary. We see many cases of Neuromas in all ages and sexes of patients- our main goal is to conservatively treat your pain and the underlying issue.