After a summer of bare feet and sandals, parents are shopping for shoes to accommodate feet, which appear to have grown longer in just a few months. Inappropriate shoes can result in, among others, painful ingrown toenails, blisters and heel pain. The guidelines presented herein are recommended to help busy parents with shoe choices in an effort to prevent or minimize the aforementioned or associated foot problems.

Snug fitting shoes put pressure on the toes, causing ingrown toenails. The nail compresses and grows down into the skin and infection can occur when an ingrown nail breaks through the skin. If there’s pain, redness and fluid draining from the area, it’s probably infected. The ingrown nail can be removed in a simple, in-office procedure but attempting to remove an ingrown nail at home can cause the condition to worsen.

Tight-fitting shoes also cause blisters, corns and calluses on the toes and on the back of the heels. Never buy shoes that feel tight and uncomfortable in the store. Don’t assume they will stretch or break in over time. Shoes that are too loose can also cause problems. If a shoe is too loose, the foot slides forward and puts excessive pressure on the toes.

Carefully inspect both new and old shoes to check for proper cushioning and arch support. Shoes lose their shock absorption over time, and wear and tear around the edges of the sole usually indicate that it’s worn out and should be replaced. If a child keeps wearing worn-out or non-supportive dress or athletic shoes, it elevates the risk for developing heel pain, Achilles tendonitis and even ankle sprains and stress fractures.

A good tip for parents when buying new shoes: The toe box should flex easily and the shoe shouldn’t bend in the middle of the sole. Parents should also look for lace-up shoes that have enough depth for an orthotic or shoe insert, if necessary. Shoes with a wide toe box, adequate arch support and shock absorption are almost always a good bet.

Be Healthy. Stay Healthy.

Bahamas Foot & Ankle

242-302-4607