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.

Kids Run & Wonderfest

WOW! The Cooper River Bridge Run is just around the corner on April 5th. The night before they host a fabulous event for the kids, the Kid's Run and Wonderfest. This event helps make fitness fun for kids and benefits local charities. Be sure that if your children are running that their shoes are ready for the run! If they experience any foot pain, call us at 843-225-5575 or 843-654-8250 to schedule an appointment. 

KID'S RUN & WONDERFEST BENEFITING CHARITIES

Hugs for Harper:

http://www.active.com/donate/hugsforharper

 

Happy Wheels:

http://www.active.com/donate/happywheels

 

Abby’s Friends:

http://www.active.com/donate/abbysfriends

 

Keys for Hope:

http://www.active.com/donate/keysforhope

Here are some tips when purchasing shoes for children:

Both feet should be measured every time you shop for new shoes since those little feet are growing. If, as is common, the feet are two different sizes, shoes should be fitted to the larger foot.

The child's foot should be sized while he or she is standing up with full weight-bearing.

There should be about one-half inch of space (or a thumb's width) between the tip of the toes and the end of the shoe. The child should be able to comfortably wiggle his or her toes in the shoe.

Have the child walk around the store for more than just a few minutes wearing the shoe with a normal sock. Ask the child if he or she feels any pressure spots in the shoe. Look for signs of irritation on the foot after the shoe is tested.

Put your hand inside the shoe and feel around for any staples or irregularities in the glue that could cause irritation. Examine where the inside stitching hits the foot.

Examine the shoe itself. It should have a firm heel counter (stiff material on either side of the heel), adequate cushioning of the insole, and a built-in arch. It should be flexible enough to bend where the foot bends at the ball of the foot, not in the middle of the shoe.

Never try to force your child's feet to fit a pair of shoes.

Shoes should not slip off at the heels. Children who have a tendency to sprain their ankles will do better with high-top shoes or boots.

www.carolinafootspecialists.net