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    Back To School Tips

    Published on September 1st, 2016

    It’s time to go back to school, and if you’re a parent that probably means you’re busier than ever. With all the classes, sports, packed lunches, and carpool it can be hard to stay on top of your kids health, especially if in involves something so often ignored as feet. Here are a few tips to help you stay on top of your kids’ foot health.

    Avoid Shoe-Swapping

    Parents know how hard it is to keep up with clothing their growing children. Kids grow so fast that it can seem almost wasteful to buy them new clothes and shoes. Because of this, hand-me-downs have become a popular alternative to buying items that will be too tight in a year’s time, but it’s not always the healthiest or most comfortable option. Shoes conform to the feet of the wearer so they can achieve maximum support and comfort. If your child wears shoes from someone who has outgrown them they’re probably not the most supportive for their feet and may result in discomfort or actual foot issues. Shoe-sharing also can spread conditions like athlete’s foot and nail fungus.

    Watch Growth

    As stated previously, kids grow incredible fast, their shoe and sock size changing every few months. A shoe that’s too tight can cause irritation, discomfort, and ingrown toenails—something you definitely don’t want to happen. Track your child’s foot growth by measuring their feet each time you buy new shoes and watch for when they become too tight or uncomfortable.

    Pay Attention To Wear And Tear

    Wearing worn-out shoes can be really bad for your feet and open up the potential for damage from external elements. During the school year your child’s shoes wear-out fast, all the running around combined with the fact that they’re now wearing them all day means they undergo a lot of use. Pay particular attention to the heels of their shoes. If one heel is more worn down than the other this could indicate a foot problem and should be checked by the podiatrists at Alpine Foot Specialists.

    Wear The Right Shoe

    One of the biggest mistakes that people make regarding their feet is wearing the wrong shoes during different activities. Your child’s foot needs will change throughout the year and they need shoes that support each of those changes. Unfortunately their regular gym tennis shoes will probably not transfer to basketball. The American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine suggests that parents start investing in sports-specific footwear for their kids starting at age 10.

    Taking care of your kid’s feet is such an important part of their overall health. Instill good habits early by paying attention to their comfort and support needs when it comes to shoes. However, if either you or your kids are experiencing problems don’t hesitate to contact Alpine Foot Specialists. Your feet are as important to you as they are to us so keep them healthy by calling (847) 941-0988!

    Courtesy of: Footwear News

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