It is estimated that children spend an average of 30 to 40 hours a week in their school shoes and more than 15,000 hours in those shoes during their school years, so it is vital that shoes that get this much mileage fit properly. Poorly fitting shoes can lead to foot problems such as ingrown toenails, sprains, strains, corns and calluses and bunions, which may even require surgery later in life.
If you have not purchased your child's school shoes ensure that you read last week's article which clearly outlines guidelines to follow to purchase the best quality school shoes for your child. If you already purchased your child's school shoes, here is how to find out if your child's shoe makes the grade and is a good quality shoe.
It's time for the school shoe check-up.
Look for a stiff heel.
Press on both sides of the heel counter (back of the shoe by the heel). It should be firm and should not collapse. The fastening mechanism (laces, Velcro, straps) should hold the heel firmly to this area in the back of the shoe. The heel should fit snug but comfortable and the heel counter strong and stable. It ensures that the foot stays in the shoe with each step so it must be firm and made out of materials that can stand the wear and tear.
Check toe flexibility.
The shoe should bend with your child's toes. It shouldn't be too stiff or bend too much in the toe box area (front of the shoe by the toes). In addition, check to ensure that the child's toes can wiggle. Your child should be able to comfortably move their toes freely in the shoe and there should be no pain in or bulges from the toes. Remember, there should be a half inch or one finger's width of space at the end of the longest toe for a proper fit and to allow the child's feet to grow.
Select a shoe with a rigid middle.
Try and turn the shoe from side to side to test if it twists in the middle. Your child's shoe should never twist in the middle. If the sole of the shoe can twist in the middle, or if the shoe can be folded in half it is much too flexible and does not provide the support your child's feet need. It is estimated that about 50 percent of children will have flat feet while a smaller 20 percent are estimated to have high arches. Therefore, school shoes need to be stable with good cushioning to provide adequate support for these feet.
It is indeed a fact that most times you get what you pay for. Quality shoes tend to last longer. While school shoes are another necessary expense, bear in mind that buying better quality shoes might actually save you money in the long run, because they won't wear down so easily and won't need to be replaced during the school year. Leather shoes are best. Or look for shoes with soles made from rubber and with a double-stitching around the toe area which will give the shoes a longer life.
Time for a foot check up.
Children may complain of aches and pains in their feet, but usually this is only when the pain is no longer bearable or it interferes with their activities, so don't wait for them to complain. As you prepare your children for school, and the long hours of standing and playing sports on their feet, make sure their feet are in good condition and are ready to support them by doing a foot check up.
o Look at your child's feet. Look on the top, the bottom and in between the toes, for any cuts, scratches, blisters, calluses, warts. Look for any skin changes or any sign of injury. Pay special attention to the nails ensuring there is no tenderness, redness or other signs of an ingrown toenail.
o Feel the leg, ankle, heel and feet to see if there is pain, warmth, swelling or redness, this may also alert you to an injury. Children sometimes complain of growing pains, that most people feel is normal; however this may indicate an injury or a problem. We recommend that parents get any feet or leg pain checked out, as most feet pain in children is preventable.
o Observe your child as they stand and walk. Look for unexplained tripping and falling (especially if it happens regularly), uneven shoe wear, or one shoe that wears down before the other, unusual walking (gait) patterns or if the child refuses to walk, play sports or wants to be carried all the time. These symptoms may indicate feet pain or an unusual alignment of the feet that will need to be examined by a podiatrist.
If you identify any problems or concerns with your child's feet, see a podiatrist as soon as possible to have their feet professionally examined. This may require x-rays or other tests and a variety of treatments may be ordered. The podiatrist can also provide specialized recommendations on foot care and shoe gear that is best for your child. If your child is diabetic they should be seen by the podiatrist at least once per year to have their feet examined.
For more information or to see a podiatrist visit Bahamas Foot Centre Rosetta Street, telephone 325-2996 or Bahamas Surgical Associates Centre, Albury Lane, telephone 394-5820 or email foothealth242@hotmail.com or visit www.apma.org.
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