Since the last few posts have been dedicated to back to school foot care and shoes for your children, today's Foot for Thought focuses on orthotics for kids.
Orthotics are shoe inserts that are intended to correct an abnormal, or irregular walking pattern. They perform functions that make standing, walking, and running more comfortable and efficient by altering slightly the angles at which the foot strikes a walking or running surface. As such, orthotics are often effective in the treatment of children with foot deformities or to improve foot performance for some athletes.
If we determines that your child needs to be fitted for orthotics, those orthotics will usually need to be replaced when the child’s foot has grown two sizes. Different types of orthotics may be needed as the child’s foot develops and changes shape.
The length of time a child needs orthotics varies considerably, depending on the seriousness of the deformity and how soon the correction is addressed.
For more information about orthotics for your childern or if you think your child might need orthotics, please contact me at 309-661-9975 or at http://www.heartlandfootandankle.com
Thursday, August 27, 2009
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Monday, August 24, 2009
0 commentsShoes and Your Kids: Small Steps for the Right Fit
Children’s feet may be small but unless adults consider the specific needs of young walkers,problems for those children may loom large. Shoes will protect children's feet,but if fit incorrectly,they can do more harm than good. A few simple guidelines for determining proper size, type of shoe and professional care can help you get the right fit for your growing children. When a child first begins to walk,shoes are not necessary indoors. Shoes may even impede a child's development and progress.
Allowing toddlers to go barefoot or to wear just socks helps the foot to grow normally and to develop its musculature and strength, as well as the grasping action of toes. When walking outside however, babies' feet should be protected in lightweight, flexible footwear made of natural materials.
The feet of young children may be unstable because of muscle problems which may make walking difficult or uncomfortable. A
thorough examination by a podiatrist may detect any underlying defects or conditions which may require immediate treatment or
consultation.
Once the child is ready for shoes, to get the right size, make sure there is 1/2″ space between the child’s longest toe and the end of the shoe. Remember that it’s natural for small children to curl their toes when trying on new shoes. To get the right width, see that you can pinch a small amount of the shoe upper across the top of the foot. If you have a toddler, check shoe fit every three or four months since children’s feet grow rapidly.
The type of shoe you pick is important to ensure proper fit. Shoes should have thin, soft soles and be flexible enough to bend very easily across the ball of the foot. Flexible soles help children develop their sense of balance. Shop at stores with experienced sales people that feature a wide selection of footwear styles, sizes and widths. Do not assume a given size will fit the same for different brands of shoes. Avoid man-made materials because they limit breathability. Hand me down clothes are great—but not shoes. Second hand shoes can create improper balance because they may have worn out unevenly by the previous owner.
Some foot problems require professional help. Infants’ feet that curve excessively inwards or outwards can be corrected with shoes that are modified and fitted with arch support. By age three, when children develop a heel to toe gait, excessively flat feet should be fit by a podiatrist with a custom molded shoe insert (orthotic) or a pre-fabricated insert to assist bones to develop in correct alignment. Infants and toddlers feet are normally fat, flat and flexible. Normally, these qualities decrease until about age seven.
Children’s feet grow rapidly during the first year, sometimes reaching almost half their adult foot size. This is why podiatrists consider the first year to be the most important in the development of the feet. With a well coordinated effort between parents, podiatrists and shoe fitters, you can ensure that your child gets the right shoe to keep them happy and active as they grow and play.
For more information about properly fitting your children for shoes or if your children are having foot problems, please contact Dr. Lockwood at 309-661-9975 or at http://www.heartlandfootandankle.com/
Allowing toddlers to go barefoot or to wear just socks helps the foot to grow normally and to develop its musculature and strength, as well as the grasping action of toes. When walking outside however, babies' feet should be protected in lightweight, flexible footwear made of natural materials.
The feet of young children may be unstable because of muscle problems which may make walking difficult or uncomfortable. A
thorough examination by a podiatrist may detect any underlying defects or conditions which may require immediate treatment or
consultation.
Once the child is ready for shoes, to get the right size, make sure there is 1/2″ space between the child’s longest toe and the end of the shoe. Remember that it’s natural for small children to curl their toes when trying on new shoes. To get the right width, see that you can pinch a small amount of the shoe upper across the top of the foot. If you have a toddler, check shoe fit every three or four months since children’s feet grow rapidly.
The type of shoe you pick is important to ensure proper fit. Shoes should have thin, soft soles and be flexible enough to bend very easily across the ball of the foot. Flexible soles help children develop their sense of balance. Shop at stores with experienced sales people that feature a wide selection of footwear styles, sizes and widths. Do not assume a given size will fit the same for different brands of shoes. Avoid man-made materials because they limit breathability. Hand me down clothes are great—but not shoes. Second hand shoes can create improper balance because they may have worn out unevenly by the previous owner.
Some foot problems require professional help. Infants’ feet that curve excessively inwards or outwards can be corrected with shoes that are modified and fitted with arch support. By age three, when children develop a heel to toe gait, excessively flat feet should be fit by a podiatrist with a custom molded shoe insert (orthotic) or a pre-fabricated insert to assist bones to develop in correct alignment. Infants and toddlers feet are normally fat, flat and flexible. Normally, these qualities decrease until about age seven.
Children’s feet grow rapidly during the first year, sometimes reaching almost half their adult foot size. This is why podiatrists consider the first year to be the most important in the development of the feet. With a well coordinated effort between parents, podiatrists and shoe fitters, you can ensure that your child gets the right shoe to keep them happy and active as they grow and play.
For more information about properly fitting your children for shoes or if your children are having foot problems, please contact Dr. Lockwood at 309-661-9975 or at http://www.heartlandfootandankle.com/
Thursday, August 20, 2009
0 commentsFoot for Thought - August 20, 2009
Today's foot for thought centers around some random foot facts I found from Foot.com.
Foot Care Facts:
Foot Care Facts:
- 3 out of 4 Americans experience serious foot problems in their lifetime.
- The foot contains 26 bones, 33 joints, 107 ligaments and 19 muscles.
- 1/4 of all the bones in the human body are down in your feet. When thesebones are out of alignment, so is the rest of the body.
- Only a small percentage of the population is born with foot problems.
- It's neglect and a lack of awareness of proper care - including ill fitting shoes - that bring on problems.
- Women have about four times as many foot problems as men. High heels are partly to blame.
- Walking is the best exercise for your feet. It also contributes to your general health by improving circulation, contributing to weight control, and promoting all-around well being.
- Your feet mirror your general health. Conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, nerve and circulatory disorders can show their initial symptoms in the feet - so foot ailments can be your first sign of more serious medical problems.
- Arthritis is the number one cause of disability in America. It limits everyday dressing, climbing stairs, getting in and out of bed or walking - for about 7 million Americans.
- About 60-70% of people with diabetes have mild to severe forms of diabetic nerve damage, which in severe forms can lead to lower limb amputations. Approximately 56,000 people a year lose their foot or leg to diabetes.
- There are 250,000 sweat glands in a pair of feet. Sweat glands in the feet excrete as much as a half-pint of moisture a day.
- Walking barefoot can cause plantar warts. The virus enters through a cut.
- The two feet may be different sizes. Buy shoes for the larger one.
- About 5% of Americans have toenail problems in a given year.
- The average person takes 8,000 to 10,000 steps a day, which adds up to about 115,000 miles over a lifetime. That's enough to go around the circumference of the earth four times.
- There are currently more websites on the Internet having to do with foot fetishes than with foot health.
Monday, August 17, 2009
0 commentsBack to School - Fall Sports - Happy Feet Can Help
Back to school each fall means back to the books, but it also means getting back into fall sports. Since many kids spend the summer relaxing and enjoying their time off, participating in football, cross-country, soccer, cheerleading and other strenuous sports can also put a strain on out-of-shape muscles, tendons, and bones. Since most schools now require that kids participate on some level in sports, it’s important to keep in mind some basic rules of thumb.
Each child physically matures at his or her own rate, and has a different degree of athletic ability. No amount of training can improve a child’s natural athletic ability, but training helps improve coordination and therefore performance. Parents should encourage their children to participate in sports, but never forget that competition should be fun.
Children active in sports programs will improve their cardiovascular
and musculoskeletal systems, coordination, and state of mind. In addition, participation in sports develops a sense of self, discipline, teamwork, and the recognition of the importance of a healthy body.
Probably the single most important way to avoid injuries in all sports is to warm up before participating. Warming up helps to loosen muscles and prevent injuries in athletes of all ages. Learning to stretch at an early age will set a good pattern for sports activities as the body develops. In addition, it’s extremely important to wear the correct shoes for the sport. Your podiatrist can help you choose the right shoes for your children; the shoes should fit the sport.
According to podiatrists, repetitive overuse or improper training can lead to problems with ligaments, tendons, bones and joints in the feet. As children’s feet are still growing, serious injuries can cause long-term problems. Some common injuries are listed here:
Each child physically matures at his or her own rate, and has a different degree of athletic ability. No amount of training can improve a child’s natural athletic ability, but training helps improve coordination and therefore performance. Parents should encourage their children to participate in sports, but never forget that competition should be fun.
Children active in sports programs will improve their cardiovascular
and musculoskeletal systems, coordination, and state of mind. In addition, participation in sports develops a sense of self, discipline, teamwork, and the recognition of the importance of a healthy body.
Probably the single most important way to avoid injuries in all sports is to warm up before participating. Warming up helps to loosen muscles and prevent injuries in athletes of all ages. Learning to stretch at an early age will set a good pattern for sports activities as the body develops. In addition, it’s extremely important to wear the correct shoes for the sport. Your podiatrist can help you choose the right shoes for your children; the shoes should fit the sport.
According to podiatrists, repetitive overuse or improper training can lead to problems with ligaments, tendons, bones and joints in the feet. As children’s feet are still growing, serious injuries can cause long-term problems. Some common injuries are listed here:
- Ankle sprains, which can be stretched or torn ligaments, are more common than fractures. Watch for extensive swelling around the ankle. Immediate treatment by the podiatrist is crucial as he/she can provide treatment as well as recommended balancing and strengthening exercises to restore coordination quickly.
- Shin splints are tiny tears or inflammation of the muscles on the front of the leg. Rest is the best way to heal these injuries, but if pain persists a podiatrist can recommend strengthening, specific shoes, or orthotics (insoles).
- Sever’s disease (aka Calcaneal Apophysistis) is an inflammation of a growth plate where the Achilles tendon is attached to the heel bone and is often felt as pain on the bottom of or around the heel. Rest, ice, and heel lifts, and sometimes orthoses are often prescribed by the podiatrist in these cases.
- Fractures/stress fractures from overuse in child athletes are commonly seen in podiatric medical offices. Growth plates are particularly susceptible to injuries, but mid-shaft fractures of the bone also occur. If a fracture is not severe, rest and immobilization may be the best treatment. More complicated injuries may require casting or surgical correction. If swelling and pain persist, see a podiatrist immediately.
For more information about proper back to school foot care or if you are having any foot problems following an sports related incident, please contact Dr. Lockwood at 309-661-9975 or at http://www.heartlandfootandankle.com/
Thursday, August 13, 2009
0 commentsFoot for Thought - August 13, 2009
Below are some helpful tips to keep your feet and toes working at top speed if you workout or are engaged in physical activity on a regular basis.
As always, you should consult your family doctor before starting any new exercise routine. For more information about appropriate shoe-gear for both exercise and everyday use, please contact Dr. Lockwood at Heartland Foot and Ankle Associates, P.C. at 309-661-9975 or www.heartlandfootandankle.com.
- Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes for all types of sports activity and running.
- Look for a pair of shoes with a stiff heel to support your foot.
- Shoes should not be able to “twist” in the middle. A rigid center (like many cross-training types of shoes have) works best to control excess motion.
- The ‘toe’ part of the shoe should be slightly flexible to allow for push off during your walking routine.
- There should be about half an inch of room at the end of the shoe to allow the toes and feet to propel during the gait cycle.
- Walk around the store with both shoes on and be aware of any ‘rubbing’ of your feet in the shoe.
- Try on shoes near the end of the day when your feet are larger.o Wear socks that you intend to use with those particular shoes.
- Socks should always wick away any moisture – synthetic ones work best!
- Have your feet measured by a professional to determine the correct length and width!
As always, you should consult your family doctor before starting any new exercise routine. For more information about appropriate shoe-gear for both exercise and everyday use, please contact Dr. Lockwood at Heartland Foot and Ankle Associates, P.C. at 309-661-9975 or www.heartlandfootandankle.com.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
0 comments 0 commentsFoot for Thought - August 6, 2009
Nowhere is the miracle of the foot more clear than watching the human body in motion. The combination of 26 bones, 33 joints, 112 ligaments, and a network of tendons, nerves, and blood vessels all work together to establish the graceful synergy involved in running.
With every step there is over 500 pounds of pressure applied to each foot. It is no wonder that people don’t have more foot problems. Common causes of pain in feet are neuromas, bone spurs, tendonitis, stress fractures, and arthritis.
Foot pain should not be a common part of every day life. Most problems can easily be treated with one or two visits.
With every step there is over 500 pounds of pressure applied to each foot. It is no wonder that people don’t have more foot problems. Common causes of pain in feet are neuromas, bone spurs, tendonitis, stress fractures, and arthritis.
Foot pain should not be a common part of every day life. Most problems can easily be treated with one or two visits.
