Newswise — As saddle shoes and penny loafers have come and gone, healthy feet are meant to last a lifetime. Parents may have already begun the annual back-to-school shopping expedition with their children, where school shoes are likely be purchased. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), parents buying back-to-school gear should make sure their children have properly fitting shoes that offer both protection and comfort.
"The primary purpose of shoes is to protect your feet and prevent injury but in order to do so, they must fit well," said Carol C. Frey, MD, orthopaedic surgeon and spokesperson for the Academy. "Shoes that don't fit well like those that are too narrow, too short or too large--can cause discomfort or injury in some cases."
It's important for parents to make sure their children's shoes offer quality construction and a good fit. Because children, like many adults, may sacrifice fit for style, Dr. Frey said parents always need to check that shoes fit properly. She explained that parents should look for shoes that conform to the shape of the child's foot, fit well in the heel and allow plenty of room for the toes to move. Foot comfort is essential to maintaining stability, mobility and safety, she explained.
In order to prevent injuries, the AAOS offers the following helpful tips on buying properly fitting shoes for children:"¢ Measure each foot every time shoes are purchased; children's feet are constantly growing and shoes that fit a child last school year may not fit this year. "¢ Have the child stand and place his or her full weight on the feet while being measured, to ensure accuracy. "¢ If the feet differ in size, choose the shoe that fits the larger foot. Pads can be added to shoes so that the smaller foot fits well. "¢ There should be a thumb's width of space between the toes and the front of the shoe. "¢ A shoe should fit snugly at the heel and instep, and be wide enough to prevent rubbing or squashing from side to side. "¢ The shoe should be deep enough so the toes do not push against the upper section of the shoe. "¢ The shoe should bend at the ball of the foot, not in the middle of the foot. "¢ 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. "¢ 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. "¢ Feel inside the shoes for rough spots, glue, staples or anything that can cause irritation. "¢ If the child slips out of a shoe, it may be the width and not the length that is incorrect. "¢ Try to choose footwear that is adjustable to provide greatest all-around comfort at all times. "¢ 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 they wear higher heels, and have them alternate with good quality flat-heeled shoes for part of the day.
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