Associated Podiatrists

                   2029 Bluegrass Circle, Suite 200              
                         Cheyenne, WY 82009              

                       Phone 307-778-7666    e-mail   Fax 307-632-4465                       

Foot Problems

The wrong shoes can cause or aggravate foot ailments. The right shoes can often prevent, never correct, problems. Follow the checklist below when buying shoes.

CONSTRUCTION:

• Leather is best because it breathes and molds to your foot. Cheap canvas is fine for fast-growing kids.

• Soles should be strong and flexible with a good gripping surface.

• Insoles should be cushioned to absorb the jolts of walking on hard surfaces.

• Arch supports distribute weight over a wider area. Rigid shanks also give added support.

• High heels are fun and look good, but they should not be worn too long at a stretch or for much walking. They not only cramp the toes, they change body posture, making backaches and other foot problems more likely.

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FIT

• Only you can tell if shoes fit. If they aren't comfortable, don't buy them!

• Don't plan on shoes stretching with wear. If you own shoes that are too tight, ask your shoe repair shop if they can be stretched.

• Because feet spread with age, have your feet measured every time you buy new shoes. Always buy shoes for the BIGGEST foot.

• Shop for shoes in the late afternoon. Feet swell to their largest then.

• Size depends on the shoe make and style, too. Don't insist you always wear one size if the next feels better.

• The toe box should be roomy enough so you can wiggle all your toes.

• Your forefoot should NOT be wider than your shoe.

• The heel should fit snugly and in the instep should not gape open.

• If you can't find shoes that fit, ask your PODIATRISTS for advice.

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SHOES FOR CHILDREN

• Good shoes are especially important to avoid problems in developing feet.

• Because shoes serve only to protect children's feet, none are needed before a child can walk on his own.

• High-topped infant shoes do help children to start walking early. This can be ban because the bones in the feet may not be ready to support the weight of the child's body. When the bones of the foot are strong enough then the child will walk. So don't force the child to walk by using high-topped shoes.

• Check often to be sure shoes aren't too small. Children's feet are so flexible they can be crammed into shoes two sizes too small, and the kid won't complain.

• Try and find the softest most flexible shoe for the child to wear from birth until age two. Remember if you as an adult struggle to bend the toes of the child's shoe how can a 20 lb. child's foot bend the shoe?

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