Getting the right shoes for your child

 Shoes are possibly the most important ‘clothing’ you buy for your child. A child can wear clothes that are too small or large, be uncomfortable but not get long term problems. However not wearing the right shoes can cause long term and even permanent damage to your child’s feet. Gait compensation as a result of foot pain and deformity can lead to painful knees, hips and lower backs. No wonder there are so many teenagers and young adults with painful knees and backs!

 Therefore, getting the right shoes for your children is a responsibility that should be a high priority for all parents. Many parents rush to the shop, especially just before school start, and are shopping for the cheapest shoes. This is not advisable as sturdy, good quality shoes are oftentimes a little dearer. Following is a guide for parents when getting shoes for their children and also how to maintain good foot health.

Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Foot Care In The Summer 

Having your feet exposed and in sandals take a toll on your feet. Not looking after your feet and legs in the summer months cause all sorts of problems.

From local infections to blisters and foot and ankle pain. In this blog we will be talking about how to look after your feet in the summer.

Looking after your feet during the summer is so important to enjoying yourself and keeping active during these warm summer days. Getting a painful foot can stop you doing all the activities you had planned for your holiday and can make for a miserable time when you least want that.

Foot wear

Flip flops are the most basic type of foot protection and are not recommended when walking any amount of distance. It is very easy to sprain your ankle, stub your toes, or get forefoot pain but also get blisters or friction burns across the top of the foot from simple rubber flip flops.

Walking sandals or a ‘gladiator sandal’, a sandal with...

Knee Pain 

There are many types of knee pain but one of the most common is anterior knee pain. Many people stop enjoying their walks, sports activities and runs with anterior knee pain. Pain can come on during activities or during sitting.  

Pain occurs behind or around the knee cap, and you can get anterior knee pain during walking or sitting. Sometimes there is swelling and sometimes there isn't. 

Many patients come in to the clinic having tried self treatments with bandages, knee tubes and ibuprofen gel. Needless to say these treatments more often than not don't work. Patients have therefore reduced their activity levels over several months sometimes years to stop the debilitating pain. 

Diagnosis and Treatment  

The podiatrist will examine you and the clinical findings are backed up with imaging. You can have an ultrasound in the clinic.  You will also have a biomechanical assessement that will show any movement and strength...

An orthotic, insole, or arch support is a device made to fit your foot. The orthotic goes into your shoe. It is a support device that changes the pressure distribution under your foot and reduces any pain you might have.

If you have pain in your big toe joint for example an orthotic can help support the foot and reduce joint pain. An orthotic can help with heel pain and ankle pain, and even knee pain.  Ask a podiatrist if an orthotic can help you.

Orthotics are either ready made or custom made. They both do the same thing. A custom made device, however is better for some foot types and some foot problems. Ask a podiatrist what type is best for you. 

Did you know an orthotic can?

• Support your foot to improve both comfort and function in your everyday life.

• Help you go for walks without the discomfort you usually have, feeling less tired and not being in pain.

• Help you play your favourite sport without having to stop because your foot or...

Ankle Sprains

Ankle Sprains are very common. They occur when you roll, twist or turn the ankle in an awkward way. This might lead to a tear or stretch of the soft tissue bands that hold the foot and ankle bones together. These soft tissue bands are ligaments and they help stabilise the foot and ankle.

Self treatments might be indicated in very mild sprains.  With more serious injury especially if you were unable to weight bear immediately afterwards or you are limping warrants a medical examination from a podiatrist or medical doctor. This is to assess the amount of ligament and soft tissue damage, but also to check for any movement and balance deficits you may have suffered with your injury. In addition how the structural injury can lead to stability issues.

Signs and Symptoms

• Pain - more when weight bearing on the injured foot
• Swelling
• Bruising (not always)
• Restricted Range of Motion
• Instability of the Ankle
• Popping sound or sensation at the...