Finding a Perfect Running Shoe – Not Hard but Necessary!

Do you live in New York and love to run? If you are looking for a race to compete in this fall, there are scores to pick from including Sitrin’s Stars and Stripes Run-Walk, October 5^th, 2013 in Utica, NY or The Great Pumpkin Challenge 5K/10K on October 19^th, 2013 in Saratoga Springs, NY. After you’ve picked the race, the next thing on the to-do list needs to be your shoes.

Adding a custom orthotic with your shoes will add additional support

You may have your favorite go-to running shoes, but they may not be the shoe that is going to keep your feet healthy to the last mile. Picking the right running shoe takes effort, but the benefits outweigh your time and investment. Your foot has a particular shape and a certain way that it functions while you run. Your shoe needs to be a perfect match in order to have continued success as a runner and stay free of injury.

Go to a reputable sports store and bring your last pair of worn-down running shoes with you. A knowledgeable staff person can look at the wear patterns and determine what type of shoe is best for your feet. If you have a high arched foot or a flat foot, you will need a specific shoe to accommodate for your foot structure and provide cushioning and support where you need it. If you are not sure what type of foot structure you have, Dr. Tejas Pandya is a foot specialist who can explain exactly what kind of feet you have and what shoes would be best for your foot health.

You also want to find a shoe that will protect any current problems, such as bunions or hammertoes. Constant pounding on the pavement with a bad pair of shoes will only further aggravate problems such as these. Go shopping later in the day, bring your socks with you, and try on shoes until you find the right ones that are comfortable from the start! Don’t settle for the wrong shoes due to time or cost, because your feet will pay the price.

If looking for the perfect shoe only leaves you empty handed, contact Capital District Podiatry. We can offer great tips and suggestions to keep you running at full speed with feet that feel great. We have locations in Troy and Clifton Park, NY. Make an appointment today by calling us at (518) 273-0053.

Do You Overpronate? Check Your Shoes!

If you are a dedicated runner, you may very well be educated on overpronation. For the average person though, this common foot problem is often unheard of but may be the cause for present foot pain.

How do I know if I overpronate?

When patients come into our office at Capital District Podiatry, one of the tools we use when diagnosing foot pain is to look at their shoes. Noting where shoes get worn down can offer clues to why there may be foot pain or help in preventing problems from occurring in the future.

Overpronation happens when your foot rolls inward at each strike on the ground while walking. If this is occurring, your shoes will often show more wear on the inner side than the outer. If you were to put your shoes on a flat surface, they may even tilt inward. Many people have this common foot problem and don’t even realize it. This condition is very prominent in people with fallen arches, or flat feet.

What should I do?

If a quick diagnostic inquiry shows that this is happening and you have no foot pain or problems, it may be of benefit to make a few changes. Choosing shoes with a straighter sole and designed for stability and motion control will best support a foot that overpronates.

This abnormal leaning inward of the foot and ankle could pose a problem over time as the structure of the foot can become compromised. Plantar fasciitis, heel spurs and metatarsalgia are common problems associated with this foot condition. If you have foot pain, it is best to seek an accurate diagnosis so your feet get the treatment they deserve. We find that our patients often benefit greatly from using a pair of custom orthotic inserts in their shoes.

We are available to help in any way that we can – call Dr. Tejas Pandya today if you are concerned about an overpronation problem. We have two convenient locations to serve you in Troy and Clifton Park, NY. Call us at (518) 273-0053 to get help today!

Foot Odor & Sandals

 Do you have a pair sandals that you just love but are having a hard time wearing because of how they make your feet smell? During the summer, your shoes can create the type of warm, damp environment that bacteria love to invade. Foot odor can be a frustrating and embarrassing problem.

Dr. Tejas Pandya, foot specialist in New York treats all foot and ankle problems and has helped many patients through their foot odor woes. Foot odor problems can be the result of sweaty, dirty feet, which can be inevitable in sandals during the warm summer months. Basically, bacteria can grow in your shoes and on your feet themselves. They feed on oil and dead skin cells and can multiply quickly. You may not like to know it, but it is the waste that the bacteria emit that causes the odor on your feet and in your shoes.

You are probably wondering now what you can do about it! The good news is that there are ways to prevent foot odor. Dr. Pandya suggests the following tips:

•   Clean your feet daily to avoid smelly feet. Use an antibacterial soap and dry your feet thoroughly. It may also help to use a disinfectant foot spray in your sandals.

•   Your feet contain 250,000 sweat glands and if they are overactive, foot odor is often a symptom. Wearing socks that absorb sweat can improve a foot odor problem. An antiperspirant spray used on the soles of your feet and directly on your sandals can prevent foot sweating.

•   Opt for sandals made of leather or natural materials. This allows your feet to breathe and reduces sweating. Change out the shoes you wear as well to allow sandals to dry out between uses.

If your foot odor is becoming a problem and these tips fail to improve your condition, please contact Dr. Pandya for help. Make an appointment by calling our podiatric office at (518) 273-0053 or online . 

Exercising With Flat Feet

Are your efforts to stay healthy and active being hindered by foot pain? Dr. Tejas Pandya, foot specialist in Troy, NY fully und

erstands how frustrating that can be. There are several reasons why you may be experiencing pain or discomfort while exercising and it is often due to your foot structure.

A flat foot is a very common foot structure. If you are not sure whether or not you have flat feet, stand up barefoot and look at the ground. If the entire sole of your foot is touching the ground, you most likely have flat feet. For most people, having flat feet does not cause pain, problems, and are nothing to be concerned about. There are cases, however, where having this condition can affect your activities.

Being flatfooted means that you lack an arch in your foot. This can result in extra stress and pressure on your feet while you run, workout or are involved in sports. Having flat feet often causes the feet to pronate, or roll inward with each step. Regular running shoes are typically designed for arched feet. Wearing them with flat feet can make you prone to shin splints, tendonitis, ankle sprains and back problems.

If you know that you have flat feet and are very active, come and see Dr. Pandya even if you are not experiencing any pain. Custom orthotics can provide the extra support your feet need during exercise to alleviate present pain and prevent future problems. Dr. Pandya can help you find the best shoes for your feet and offer some great tips to keep your feet healthy during exercise. Make an appointment today by calling our podiatric office at (518) 273-0053 or visit us online at www.capitaldistrictpodiatry.com.  

Help For Shin Splints

Are you a runner with lower leg pain?

Shin splints are definitely an unwelcome visitor when you are trying to keep up with a running or exercise routine. Known as medial tibial stress syndrome, it is a common problem seen at our Troy, NY podiatric office.

Foot specialist, Dr. Tejas Pandya, treats runners and athletes on a regular basis. Shin splints can stop you in your tracks, but with treatment by Dr. Pandya and an understanding of how they develop will get you back on your feet in no time.

Shin splints cause pain alongside or behind your shinbone. Pain arises from your muscles and tendons becoming inflamed. You might notice swelling and tenderness if you touch your lower leg. Typically, shin splints develop after too much stress has been put on your shinbone. Dr. Pandya often sees shin splints in patients who:

• Consistently run downhill

• Run in unsupportive or worn out footwear

• Are heavily involved in sports or activities with starts and stops such as basketball or tennis

• Train too hard and too fast, putting an overload of stress on their legs

• Play sports on hard, unforgiving surfaces

• Have flat feet or rigid arches

Suffering from shin splints is not fun. You can effectively treat them at home by resting and avoiding any activities that cause further pain. Try ice packs and elevating your shin to reduce swelling. If you can’t keep them from returning, you may need corrective shoes or custom orthotic inserts to support your feet.

Contact us today for help and stop living in pain. You can make an appointment by calling (518) 273-0053 or visit us at www.capitaldistrictpodiatry.com.

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Tingling Feet

Are Pins and Needles in Your Feet Bothering You?

Experiencing tingling in feet is a common sensation and there are several reasons why it may be happening. Understanding what may be going on is important because although fairly common, the underlying reason could be cause for concern.

Dr. Tejas Pandya, foot and ankle specialist in Troy and Clifton Park, NY finds those who complain of tingling in their feet are most often his patients with diabetes. Peripheral neuropathy, or nerve damage, which often accompanies diabetes, often leaves feet with a loss of feeling and tingling. The pins and needles feeling can be intermittent or last for long periods of time depending on the underlying cause. Other reasons your feet may be tingling are:

• Alcoholism

• Poor circulation 

• Vitamin B12 deficiency

• Hypothyroidism

• HIV

• Multiple sclerosis

• Rheumatoid arthritis

• A compressed nerve in your lower back

• Tight shoes

• Bone spur that pinches a nerve

• Side effect of medication

• Trauma or injury to a nerve

The treatment for your tingling feet will ultimately depend on what the underlying cause is. If you need treatment for tingling feet, take some notes before you call Dr. Pandya. Try to decipher when triggers it, how long it lasts and if you are able to find anything that helps relieve your symptoms. This will help Dr. Pandya do a thorough exam to get a complete diagnosis of your symptoms and set up a successful treatment plan.

Please do not ignore tingling feet. They could be a sign of something much more serious going on. Identifying problems and beginning treatment early can make a huge difference in your health long term. Contact our podiatric office to make an appointment with Dr. Pandya. Call (518) 273-0053 or visit www.capitaldistrictpodiatry.com for more information.

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Corns on Your Feet?

Let’s get real. Feet are not a favorite subject to talk about and most of the time they are not paid much attention until they hurt. Do you agree? At our podiatric offices, we see many foot conditions on a daily basis and corns are a very common problem treated by foot specialist, Dr. Tejas Pandya. They can be irritating and painful but the good news is that you don’t have to live with them!

What exactly is a corn?

Corns are actually calluses that form, usually on the tops of your toes. When your toes rub against the inside of your shoes, the surface of your skin thickens into a small callus to protect itself from the friction.

Wearing shoes that do not fit properly or that squish your toes such as with high heels most commonly cause corns. Conditions such as hammertoe or claw toe also cause corns since toes are deformed and bent which puts pressure on them when wearing shoes.

Do you need to treat a corn?

The answer is yes and no. If you are healthy and your corn is not painful or bothering you, then it will usually go away if you remove what was causing friction in the first place. Dr. Pandya often recommends the use of foam pads to protect the corn or soaking it regularly and using a pumice stone to reduce the size of it.

If your corns are being persistent and painful or if you have a secondary condition such as diabetes, please contact our office for help. Your foot health needs to be a priority and a small callus could lead to more serious complications. Call our office in Troy, NY or Clifton Park, NY for an appointment at (518) 273-0053 or visit www.capitaldistrictpodiatry.com.

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Foot Odor

Are you suffering from an embarrassing case of stinky feet? It is a common foot problem so no fear, you are not alone! Dr. Tejas Pandya, foot specialist in Troy, NY treats patients on a regular basis who are tired of dealing with their foot odor problem. The good news is that once you discover what may be causing it, there are many treatment options out there to get it under control.

If you have a foot odor problem, there are many reasons for why it may be there in the first place. Common reasons for foot odor include the type of footwear you are wearing on a daily basis and having feet that tend to sweat

Bacteria love to live and thrive in dark, moist areas and your shoes are prime real estate. When it meets with the perspiration of the feet, the result can be odor that is not only uncomfortable but can be embarrassing as well. Hyperhidrosis is an inherited condition that involves excessive sweating. Other factors that influence sweating include medications, fluid intake, stress and hormonal changes.

Now that you have been educated a bit, you are probably wondering what you can do to help your smelly feet, right? Dr. Pandya encourages patients to follow some simple tips:

    •    Wash your feet with antibacterial soap and water.
    •    Always wear socks in shoes and avoid shoes made of plastic.
    •    Take care of any fungal infections promptly and thoroughly.
    •    Rotate your shoes each day and wear thick socks that draw moisture away from your feet.

If these steps do not improve your condition, we are here to help! Make an appointment with Dr. Pandya by calling our podiatric office at (518) 273-0053 or visit www.capitaldistrictpodiatry.com.

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Starting Exercise Off On the Right Foot

“Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body.”  - Joseph Addison

Becoming or staying healthy is no doubt on the top of many people’s New Year’s resolution lists this year. What about the beginner? Are you someone who has never made fitness a priority but is ready to make a positive change?

Starting to exercise can be daunting if you are not sure where or how to begin. It is important to start exercise on the right foot for success down the road. Dr. Pandya, foot specialist in Troy, NY sees and treats many patients who have done too much too soon and have foot and ankle injuries as a result.

Start with your feet. Before hitting the gym, make an appointment with Dr. Pandya. He can give your feet a thorough exam and identify any potential problems. If you have a foot deformity or a problem with bunions or hammertoes, exercise can aggravate the condition and make it worse. He can provide custom orthotics to support and protect your feet during exercise.

Pick the right shoe for the activity. Your feet may need a different type of support and cushioning depending on what you are involved in. Go to an athletic store at the end of the day since feet swell over the course of a day. Ask an expert to help you find the best shoes for your feet and the activity you want to do.

The American Heart Association recommends getting in at least 30 minutes of moderate activity most days for optimal heart health. People often think the more aggressive the work out, the quicker they will see results. Start slow and give your body time to adjust. Take time to warm up and stretch well at the end of a workout.

Dr. Pandya can help reach your goals and keep feet healthy along the way. If you have any foot pain while starting to exercise contact our podiatric office at (518) 273-0053 to schedule an appointment. You can also visit us online at www.capitaldistrictpodiatry.com.

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The A, B, C’s of Children’s Foot Care

Taking care of your body when you are young often pays off in many ways as you get older. Wearing sunscreen and limiting exposure keeps your skin youthful and lessens risks of skin cancer. Avoiding smoking keeps lungs clear and healthy and eating well maintains healthy weight and provides the necessary nutrients your body needs.

The same is true for foot health and it often starts in childhood. Since children aren’t always aware, it is important for parents to know how to keep their children’s feet healthy and help them avoid problems later in life.

Walking on toes or having feet turned in (in-toeing) are common in children but if these symptoms persist, it is important to seek treatment. Dr. Tejas Pandya, foot specialist in Troy, NY has treated many children and often something as simple as orthotics can help correct these problems. 

The growth plates in children’s bones actually don’t finish closing until between the ages of 13-17. Because of this, children’s feet are more at risk for injury if there is too much stress put on them. Dr. Pandya advises parents to closely monitor their children’s feet if they are in sports and to limit how many sports are played at one time. Children may not complain of pain if they are really competitive and others may mention the slightest of symptoms. In either case, take note of your children’s activities and seek treatment as soon as anything is noticed.

A couple other important tips are to make sure your children are clipping toenails in a way to avoid ingrown toenails and help them choose good footwear. Their feet are constantly growing so check their foot size often and provide them with supportive shoes for school and for sport.

Contact Dr. Pandya at Capital District Podiatry if your child has any foot needs. Call our podiatric office at (518) 273-0053 or visit our website at www.capitaldistrictpodiatry.com to schedule an appointment.

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Is Running in the Cold Safe for Feet?

Are you a die-hard runner? Rain or shine, sun or moon, alone or with friends – none of these matter for many serious runners. As long as feet are hitting the pavement, trail or track many runners stick with their routines without concern. What about running in the dead of winter though? When the skies are darker and the roads are icy and wet? Even for the experienced, running in the winter does come with risks, especially when it comes to feet.

Preparation is key!

Nothing is more miserable for a runner than to be trudging along with cold, wet feet in squishing socks. This can be avoided by investing in appropriate gear for your feet. Set your feet up for success in waterproof running shoes. Choose shoes with little or no mesh. Brooks offers a collection of running shoes made with Gore-Tex® that keep feet dry and comfortable.

Avoid cotton socks and choose brands that help wick away wetness. SmartWool is a favorite among outdoor athletes. It is suggested that winter runners layer a thicker sock over a wicking pair for extra warmth. This might require shoes to be a half-size larger. Some runners put their stocking feet into little plastic baggies before putting running shoes on – whatever it takes to keep feet dry! SealSkinz is a great company that offers a huge variety of waterproof products for outdoor sports. They have socks, gloves and hats specifically for runners.

Ice puts runners at risk for falling so shoes need to have proper soles for outdoor running. Look for products such as Yaktrax that can be put on the bottom of shoes to run safely in snow and ice. Cold feet can be uncomfortable and distracting. Extreme cold also puts feet at risk for frostbite. When frostbite occurs, there is often little or no pain so runners need to be keenly aware of running conditions and the state of their feet while running.

Foot specialist, Dr. Tejas Pandya helps runners take care of their feet on a regular basis. Call him for help with any foot problems to keep feet healthy for the long run at (518) 273-0053 or visit our website at www.capitaldistrictpodiatry.com.

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Tips to Avoid Fungal Infections

Your feet can be easily exposed to so many forms of fungal infections such as athlete’s foot. Fungal infections can spread into small breakages of the skin on your feet or into your toenails. Fungal infections can cause embarrassing thickening or discoloration of your toenails and can become painful. We want to help you keep your feet healthy and looking their best, so we’ve have some helpful tips to help you avoid fungal infections.

• Look out for public places. If you are a frequent visitor to public gym or pool, you may be putting yourself at risk for fungal infections. Hot moist areas, like gyms, locker rooms, pools, and showers are the best environments for fungi to thrive. When visiting a public place, make sure to always wear some form of protective footwear to avoid fungal infections.

• Beware of nail polish. Nail polish can be a great way to make your toes look their best! Yet we feel that healthy toenails are the best looking. If you are experiencing toenails with discoloration, thickening, cracks, or decays, do not attempt to hide the imperfections with toenail polish. These unfortunate toenail irregularities could be a sign of fungal toenails. Toenail polish can lead to a more serious infection, and will make the problem worse. Treating the nail rather than covering it is healthier and much better in the long run.

• Keep your shoes to yourself! Sharing shoes or any product that comes into direct contact with your feet like socks, towels, or orthotics is an easy way to spread fungal infections. You shouldn’t share any of these items with anyone, even close friends and family.

If you do develop a fungal infection, such as athlete’s foot, call our office at (518)273-0053 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Tejas Pandya.

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Maintain Healthy Feet through an Unpredictable Forecast

As you enter the fall season and colder weather is headed your way, you need to prepare your feet for the upcoming changes. One day it feels like summer and the next fall is ever so present on your doorstep. With this up and down in temperature it feels like whiplash weather!

While the forecast may always remain unpredictable, despite the weather’s man’s predictions, your health can pay the price. In order to maintain the health of your feet and the rest of your body throughout these weather changes follow these helpful tips.   

• Maintain a healthy diet. Make sure that your meals are packed with nutritional foods like green veggies and plenty of omega-3 fats, which can be found in fish or fish oil supplements. A well balanced diet can reduce inflammation in your feet and keep your entire body healthy no matter what weather blows your way.

• Get enough sleep. Your body needs eight hours of sleep every night so remember to plan your day accordingly. Sleep restores energy and can reduce stress levels.

• Take a shower. You should try to shower every night before you go to bed and every morning directly after you wake up. Taking a shower before you go to bed can help you fall asleep more easily. Taking a shower after you wake up can increase the blood circulation throughout your entire body, which reduces your risk for aches and pains.

• Drink water. You need to stay hydrated throughout the day to ward off sickness. Drinking water regularly keeps your immune system at its best. You should try to drink about two to three liters of water every day.

• Dress for the occasion. It’s important to keep your feet protected, so as the weather changes make sure to warm your feet with socks and enclosed toe shoes. Just like the rest of your body, your feet need to maintain a healthy temperature. Feet that are too hot or too cold can easily damage your health.

In order to maintain your health all year long, you need to take the proper precautionary steps and adjust to the changes in weather. If you notice a decline in the health of your feet this season contact our office at (518) 273-0053 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Tejas Pandya.

References:

http://www.todayszaman.com/newsDetail_getNewsById.action?load=detay&link=192947
http://www.momtastic.com/health-and-beauty/diet-a-nutrition/161679-stay-healthy-as-the-seasons-change
http://www.everydayhealth.com/foot-health/nutrition-and-your-feet.aspx

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Simple Shoe Tricks for Healthy Feet

Maintaining your health can be a tricky job. Your feet need care and attention just like the rest of your body. Footwear is made specifically to protect the health of your feet, but your shoes can’t do all the work - they need your help!

Follow these simple tips to helping your shoes protect your feet, ankles and all 10 toes:

• Get the right fit. The most important aspect of your shoes is the fit. Shoes need to fit correctly to the length, width and height of your feet. Your footwear should big long enough that your toes have about a thumb’s width before the end of your shoe, but not so big that your heel slides out the back. Shoes should also be wide enough that you have room to wiggle your toes and tall enough that they do not press down on your toes.

• Be specific to your exercise. Your shoes should be specific to your activities. If you are involved in different sports you need different shoes for each exercise. Physical activities put pressure on your feet, and soccer will affect your feet differently than running, yoga or football. Therefore each sport or exercise will require specific protection from your footwear so you will need different shoes for each of your activities.

• Alternate between shoes. While you should alternate different shoes for each of your exercises, you should also alternate your daily walking shoes. Your shoes need their days off just like you. This will not only help your shoes last longer, but also maintains the health of your feet.

• Cushion your feet. While your shoes should provide you an appropriate amount of cushioning, you should always pair your footwear with a comfortable pair of socks. Socks give your feet greater cushioning and reduce irritation between your feet and your shoes. This will help prevent painful ailments like blisters.

• Add an orthotic. Purchasing custom molded orthotics can be one of the best investments you will ever make. An orthotic adds support, comfort and cushioning to your footwear. It can relieve pain and reduce your risk for an injury.

Taking proper care of your feet can be a big job, but making foot care a part of your regular routine can help you prevent foot ailments throughout your lifetime. If you are experiencing pain in your feet or would like to come in for a check-up and proper foot examination contact our office at (518) 273-0053 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Tejas Pandya.

References:

http://www.thestarpress.com/article/20120912/LIFESTYLE/309120007/Tips-happy-feet?odyssey=nav%7Chead&nclick_check=1
http://runnersfeed.com/rotate-your-running-shoes/

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Precautionary Steps to Prevent Fungal Toenails

Fungal toenails can be painful, embarrassing and just plain gross. Fungal infections within your toenails can easily spread from the toenails to the skin. They can also infect your entire foot and the rest of your body.

In order to prevent this painful and disgusting condition, please follow our helpful tips:

• Wash and dry your feet. You must wash your feet with soap and water at least twice every day. Dry your feet thoroughly after and don’t forgot to dry between your toes.

• Use anti-fungal and antiperspirant products. Apply an anti-fungal cream to your feet and ankles on a daily basis. You can powder feet, ankles and toes with an antiperspirant to reduce sweating. This will also help keep your feet dry throughout all of your physical activities.

• Do not swap maintenance tools. It is so important to keep up the care of your feet and toes. However, your maintenance tools can easily spread fungal infections if you share. You always want to disinfect tools such as nail clippers, files and pumice stones before and after every use. Never share your tools with others or borrow someone else’s foot care products.

• Keep your socks and shoes to yourself. Just like with maintenance tools, you do not want to borrow socks and shoes. You also do not want to lend out your own. Socks and shoes directly touch your feet and harbor bacteria, especially from perspiration. Make sure to wash your socks after every use.

• Cut your toenails. It may sound simple enough, but this little task can easily be forgotten. Cut your toenails straight across and never curve at the ends. You also want to cut toenails at least once a week or whenever the nail grows past the end of your toe.

Fungal toenails can be extremely difficult to treat and may require permanent removal of the infected nail. For this reason, if you experience a fungal infection in your feet or toenails you want to contact our office immediately. You can call our office at (518)273-0053 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Tejas Pandya. Don’t forget that while fungal nails are treatable, they can always come back! You need to take the proper precautionary steps to prevent reoccurring fungal infections.

References:

http://www.capitaldistrictpodiatry.com/library/1821/FungalNails.html
http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/guide/fungal-infections-skin

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Send Kids Back to School with Healthy Footwear

You have probably started packing lunches, looking up bus schedules, and scraping out old school supplies as you send your children back to school. While some items like pencils, pens, notebooks, backpacks, and clothes that your children have yet to outgrow can be reused, there are certain school supplies that should remain on the list year after year - shoes.

It’s likely that your children have outgrown their shoes from last year or at least out worn them. Your child’s shoes can affect the health of their feet, ankles, and entire body so it’s important to find a healthy pair.

With the endless numbers of styles it can be difficult to determine the right footwear for your child. Therefore Dr. Tejas Pandya has come up with some helpful guidelines to finding the healthiest shoes.

• Measure both feet. You should have your child’s feet properly measured before every purchase. Children’s feet can grow very quickly and at different rates. This often results in their feet being two different sizes. So when you measure their feet, fit their shoes to the larger foot. Ill-fitting footwear can result in a number of different foot ailments. 

• Take a stand. You should measure your child’s feet while they are in a standing position. When your child stands his or her feet bear the weight of his or her whole body, which can make feet expand under pressure. This ensures that shoes will be comfortable during weight bearing activities like sports, exercise, or even just walking and standing.

• Find the perfect fit. Ill-fitting shoes refer to both shoes that are too small and too big, both of which can result in foot ailments. Your child should have about a thumb’s width between their big toe and the end of their shoe. The toe box should also leave enough room so that they can comfortably wiggle those toes. Shoes should also fit tight enough that the heel does not slip out the back.

• Take a little walk. Shoes need to fit comfortably while sitting, standing and walking. Your child should try on both shoes and walk around the store to examine their comfort in motion. You also want to bring their own socks along to try on with the shoes. You should then question your child about any irritations or uncomfortable pressure from the footwear. 

• Examine the shoes. Children’s shoes should not collapse under pressure. Look for shoes with heels that are made from a durable material to hold in a fixed position. Shoes should also have a proper layer of cushioning on the insole and sufficient arch support. Shoes should bend at the ball of your child’s foot, but they should not in the middle nor should they be able to fold completely in half.

Proper foot care should start at an early age in order to prevent future foot problems. The right shoes can help prevent injuries on the playground, in athletics, and all other aspects of your child’s life. If you require additional assistance in finding the right shoes for your child, contact our office at (518) 273-0053 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Tejas Pandya.

References:

http://www.capitaldistrictpodiatry.com/library/1783/Children%27sShoes.html
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00143

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Easy Little Tricks to Your Foot Ailments

Your feet work incredible hours baring the weight of your entire body. Did you know that there are 26 bones in each of your feet? That is a quarter of the bones in your whole body. Your feet also contain 33 joints and more than 100 tendons, muscles and ligaments. That’s a lot of sensitive body parts to break, sprain, and painfully injure!

Below are some tips to help you with your shoe buying and wearing.

• Buy the right size. Before you purchase footwear, you should always measure your feet and try on the shoes. Make sure to try on both shoes because your feet can often be different sizes. Pay attention to not only the length of your feet, but the width and the level of support that your arches require.

• Purchase specific shoes. Your shoes need to be personable in so many ways, not just a standard size! Look for shoes that are specific to your physical activities. Sports and exercise activities require different things from footwear in order to properly protect your feet. You should also base your purchases on your medical history and personal comfort.

• Look for wide toe boxes. Your toes need room to breathe and wiggle even when their strapped inside your shoes. Purchasing footwear with wide toe boxes can help reduce your risk for developing conditions such as bunions and hammertoes. Both bunions and hammertoes can occur from ill-fitting shoes. Wide toe boxes allow your toes more room and reduce irritation.

• Wear your socks. Socks work as a comforting barrier between your feet and your footwear. Comfortable socks can reduce irritation caused by your shoes so they prevent painful problems like blisters, corns and calluses. Socks also work to keep your feet dry and can help prevent fungal infections.

• Keep your feet dry. Your feet need to be washed with soap and water at least once a day, but drying them can be just as important. You should dry your feet thoroughly with a clean towel and pay special attention to your toes. If your shoes or socks become wet you should remove them until they are dried and preferably washed. You can apply a lotion to your feet in order to keep your skin moisturized, but remember to avoid your toes. Moistened feet create a perfect environment for fungal infections to grow.

• Use orthotics. Custom fitted orthotics can be one of the best investments you can make for the health of your feet. Custom made orthotics can reduce pain in your feet and ankles, give you greater arch support, provide cushioning and reduce your risk for a wide range of injuries.

Your feet and ankles can be one of the easiest areas on your body to develop injuries, which is why it’s so important to take the proper preventative measures. If you do develop a foot or ankle related injury, contact our office at (518) 273-0053 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Tejas Pandya.

References:

http://www.modbee.com/2012/05/11/2196699/know-how-to-prevent-treat-foot.html

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