Summer for some children is already over, with the majority of children preparing to return to school in a matter of days. Not only will they be hitting the textbooks, but they will also be returning to their many sporting activities including track, basketball soccer, tennis, dance, etc.

Selecting the correct shoe for their activities and foot type can go a long way in preventing many foot related injuries and reducing the risk of accelerating and aggravating foot deformities. The foot is a complex and intricate structure made up of bones, joints, ligaments and tendons all working together to support our body weight and adapt to a variety of surfaces as we walk, run and participate in sporting activities. Many foot-related injuries and deformities occur when the foot is not functioning in harmony and balance.

Sports play a significant role in millions of children's lives, and more children are playing individual and team sports every day. As a result, sports-related foot and ankle injuries are also on the rise. Running and walking are the most natural forms of exercise done today. Parents should be mindful of their child's sports that require a lot of running and turning, or involve contact, because they can easily result in foot injuries.

Choose the wrong athletic shoes and your child could end up lying on the couch nursing shin splints, aching heels or other injuries instead of enjoying a brisk walk, run or playing sports. On the other hand, choosing the right athletic shoes can prevent these injuries and protect your child's feet while they play the sports they love. By following these simple steps you can find athletic shoes that fit well and that your child will love.

o Know your child's foot type: Choose the shoe style and type based on your child's foot type and foot function. Feet come in many different shapes, sizes and function differently. For the most part, we can divide the feet into three main types -- the low arched foot, the medium arched foot and the high arched foot. Fortunately, many running shoes are manufactured to accommodate these foot types and help them function better.

Motion control shoes are usually suited for people with low arched, straight feet. Stability type shoes are for those individuals with a medium-arched foot (usually called normal) and have a slight curve in the shape of the shoe. Lastly, neutral cushioning type shoes are the best fit for those individuals with a high arched foot. As you move from one type of shoe to another, neutral to stability to motion control, the shoes become more rigid and more resistant to twisting and bending.

o Buying a sport-specific shoe: Purchasing a shoe designed for the exact sport your child will be participating in not only improves your child's performance on the court or field, but also helps keep their feet free from serious foot and ankle injuries. This way the shoe will fit properly for the movements the feet will be doing as part of the sport. For example, if your child is playing soccer, purchase the appropriate cleats rather than have them play in basketball or walking shoes.

o Don't make shoes multitask: Walking shoes are stiffer; running shoes are more flexible, with extra cushioning to handle greater impact. If you do both activities, choose one for each sport or choose a cross-trainer style shoe for general or multiple activities.

o Measure your child's feet frequently and before purchasing shoes: Have the child try on the shoe and walk about in the store to be sure it is a perfect fit. Many shoe sellers can measure your child's feet. Remember to make sure there is at least a thumb's width of space between the end of the longest toe and end of the shoes.

o Don't forget the socks: Without the right sock, even the best athletic shoe won't fit or function properly. Firstly have your child fit their shoes with the sock they will wear during the sport to ensure a proper fit. If your child exhibits signs of hyperhidrosis (excess sweating) or bromhydrosis (foot odor), selection of the appropriate athletic sock may reduce the incidences of these conditions. The right athletic sock should be made of a natural/synthetic blend to help "wick" away moisture and it should not have any large seams that can cause blisters or irritation.

Body weight is another factor that must be considered in the selection process because increased weight places more demands upon the feet.

If your child has had an injury to the foot and ankle they should be seen by the podiatrist who can guide them better on shoe types and other injury prevention strategies. Protective taping of the foot and ankle during sports may be necessary to prevent sprains or fractures. Parents should consider discussing these matters with their family podiatrist if they have children participating in sports. All athletes should remember that pain is not normal and they should not play sports if they are having pain. Pain is a warning sign that something is wrong, so stop playing and see a podiatrist to determine the cause of the pain.

o For more information email foothealth242@gmail.com or visit www.apma.org. To see a podiatrist visit Bahamas Foot Centre on Rosetta Street, telephone 325-2996 or Bahamas Surgical Associates Centre, Albury Lane, telephone 394-5820, or Lucayan Medical Centre on East Sunrise Highway, Freeport Grand Bahama, telephone 373-7400.

Click here to read more at The Nassau Guardian