Babies do not need shoes until they begin walking outdoors. Until then, crawling or walking barefoot and wearing socks can help the feet to grow and strengthen naturally. Putting shoes on too early can impede proper foot development while restricting movement and growth. When the time is right to choose baby shoes, opt for soft, flexible soles that mimic natural foot motion, allowing toes to grip and flex. Ensure a wide toe box for ample space and breathable materials for comfort. Proper fit is essential, as shoes should be neither too tight nor too loose to prevent blisters and ensure stability. Regularly check for signs of wear and outgrowth to maintain the best support. If you notice any abnormalities concerning your child’s feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat any foot condition and guide you on proper shoe selection.
Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact one of our podiatrists of Front Range Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Keeping Children's Feet Healthy
Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...
Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.
Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.
Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.
As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’.
As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.
Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.
Be watchful for any pain or injury.
Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.
Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Littleton, CO. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
If you think you might be a candidate for bunion surgery, here are key factors to help guide your decision. Bunions are painful bumps on the side of your big toe that develop when the base of the toe pushes outward. Bunion formation is often due to genetics and wearing ill-fitting shoes, particularly high heels. Bunion pain can be managed through various non-surgical treatments such as wearing supportive shoes, and having pain medications or cortisone shots. If these methods fail and the bunion severely impacts your daily life, surgery becomes an option. The type of surgical procedure depends on the severity of the bunion, with moderate cases typically involving shaving the bump and correcting the toe joint's angle. Recovery includes wearing a special boot for a few weeks, and managing bruising and swelling. Delaying surgery can lead to more complex procedures with longer recovery times. A podiatrist will guide you through the recovery process, including follow-up visits to monitor for complications like infections. Keep in mind that surgery may not be a permanent solution, especially if you are genetically predisposed to bunions. Wearing proper shoes and avoiding injuries post-surgery can help maintain the results. If you have a bunion that is causing extreme discomfort, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to find out if bunion surgery is right for you.
Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of Front Range Podiatry. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.
When Is Surgery Necessary?
Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:
Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
Cosmetic reconstruction
What Types of Surgery Are There?
The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:
Bunionectomy for painful bunions
Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage
Benefits of Surgery
Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.
Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Littleton, CO. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Choosing the right hiking shoes is important for both comfort and safety on the trail. When picking your hiking footwear, focus on protection, comfort, and weight. Your shoes should protect your feet from cuts and environmental damage and prevent blisters even after long hikes. Lightweight shoes help to conserve energy, making each step easier. While high-cuff boots are thought to offer ankle support, they often don't make a significant difference and may increase the risk of ankle rolls. Experts suggest performing strengthening exercises as an effective way to improve ankle stability. Breathable shoes allow your feet to dry quickly, which reduces the chance of blisters. Waterproof shoes can become heavy and waterlogged, making your hike more strenuous. Don’t overlook the importance of good socks. Seamless, cushioned wool socks are ideal, providing both durability and quick drying. Hiking shoes combine the best aspects of boots and trail runners, offering a balance of protection, comfort, and durability. They tend to last longer and provide the necessary support while being lighter and more flexible than traditional boots. If you experience foot pain after hiking, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.
It is important to find shoes that fit you properly in order to avoid a variety of different foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Front Range Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Proper Shoe Fitting
Shoes have many different functions. They cushion our body weight, protect our feet, and allow us to safely play sports. You should always make sure that the shoes you wear fit you properly in order to avoid injuries and deformities such as: bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and more. It is important to note that although a certain pair of shoes might be a great fit for someone else, that doesn’t mean they will be a great fit for you. This is why you should always try on shoes before buying them to make sure they are worth the investment. Typically, shoes need to be replaced ever six months to one year of regular use.
Tips for Proper Shoe Fitting
Select a shoe that is shaped like your foot
Don’t buy shoes that fit too tight, expecting them to stretch to fit
Make sure there is enough space (3/8” to ½”) for your longest toe at the end of each shoe when you are standing up
Walk in the shoes to make sure they fit and feel right
Don’t select shoes by the size marked inside the shoe, but by how the shoe fits your foot
The shoes you buy should always feel as good as they look. Shoes that fit properly will last longer, feel better, and improve your way of life each day.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Littleton, CO. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
