Page 2 - Hosey Foot Notes Winter 2018

Choosing children’s shoes
takes special care
One of the most important purchases on any parent's shopping list should be a pair of proper fitting shoes for their child. “Every winter we notice that there is a slight increase in the number of children with ingrown toenails and most often it is caused by incorrectly fitted shoe gear,” says Dr. Kristen Patterson of Hosey Foot and Ankle Centers.
Winter weather will soon
give way to warmth and
potential exercise injuries
Though we are still in the grips of winter, warm weather is sure to
come soon. When the weather does warm up, we
often take our activities and exercises outside.
“After the winter lull, our feet and lower limbs
become very susceptible to injury,” says Dr. Thomas
Hosey of Hosey Foot and Ankle Centers. An avid runner, skier and
diver, Dr. Hosey knows firsthand about the importance of caring for feet when exercising.
“If you’re currently starting a new workout regimen, or generally increasing your outdoor activity, be careful! Even simple exercises with repetitive movements can cause or worsen certain injuries like plantar fasciitis, achilles tendinitis and shin splints,” he adds. “You may have heard of these conditions during previous visits to our clinic. Whether you’re an experienced athlete or not, it’s important to be smart as you increase physical activity.”
Start your new exercise regimen by:
• gradually increasing your exercises
• warming up and stretching out
• wearing supportive shoes appropriate for
your activities
•Children's feet change with age. Shoe and sock sizes may change every few months as a child's feet grow.
•Shoes that don't fit properly can aggravate the feet. Always measure a child's feet before buying shoes, and watch for signs of irritation.
•Never hand down footwear. Just because a shoe size fits one child comfortably doesn't mean it will fit another the same way. Also, sharing shoes can spread fungi like athlete's foot and nail fungus.
•Examine the heels. Children may wear through the heels of shoes quicker than outgrowing shoes themselves. Uneven heel wear can indicate a foot problem that should be checked by one of the physicians at Hosey Foot and Ankle Centers.
•Take your child shoe shopping. Every shoe fits differently. Letting a kid have a say in the shoe buying process promotes healthy foot habits down the road.
•Always buy for the larger foot. Feet are seldom precisely the same size.
•Buy shoes that do not need a “Break-In” period.
Shoes should be comfortable immediately. Also make sure to have your child try on shoes with socks or tights, if that's how they'll be worn.
In cases of pain, extensive bruising, loss of stability, discoloration, or symptoms lasting more than a week, you should meet with one of the physicians at Hosey Foot and Ankle Centers. Make an appointment by calling 586-263- 4411. The physicians can offer a variety of treatments and supportive devices to help you through the healing process, as well as evaluate your footwear and your training methods to see if either might be causing or exacerbating the injury
“When you establish a solid foundation at the beginning of your training, you make yourself much less vulnerable to injuries that will keep you from enjoying the season,” Dr. Hosey adds.
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