Our feet bear an enormous burden of daily living , As well as carrying the weight of our body.  They must also twist and flex with increased impact and strain when we move around.

Even through simple day to day activities such as standing and walking, our feet can be injured if not properly supported. Shoes play a vital role in this, as well as protecting our feet from external dangers.
The importance of a good fitting shoe

Choosing shoes that fit well as an important part of caring for your feet.

Finding the right fit may mean you have to look at a few different styles to accommodate your particular foot shape.

Because feet are rarely the same size, it is important that you fit your shoes to your largest foot.  An experienced footwear salesperson can help you with this.  However, since most shoe manufacturers have their own size range, you should make decisions on what feels right.

People who have mis shapen feet from an injury or medical condition such as arthritis or diabetes may require shoes with extra depth or width.  Some people may require orthoses ( inserts).  Occasionally a custom-made shoe will be most suitable. These should be prescribed by a podiatrist.

Shoe buying tips

When buying new shoes, keep in mind the following:

• Materials: leather is preferred for shoe uppers.  Synthetic or rubber soles are best for the sole as they tend to be more durable, shock absorbtion and provide better grip than leather.
• Security; shoes should be secured on the feet with laces, straps or buckles –  especially walking shoes.  If your feet have to work to hold your shoes in place, your foot muscles may be strained.
• Shape:  pointed shoes can make your toes “claw”.  This can affect overall body posture and cause back pain.  Clenched toes can cause rubbing, leading to corns and calluses,

          Broad- toed shoes prevent the feet from cramping but must be secure so the foot doesn’t roll.

Also Check the following

• The heel of your shoe is less than 2.5 cm.  High heels increase pressure onto the ball of your foot.
• Your shoes have a well padding sole.  A cushioned sole absorbs shock and reduces pressure to the feet.
• Your shoes are made from a material that breathes.   Fungal infections such as tinea love a warm moist environment.  Absorptive socks can help with drawing moisture away.
• Your shoes protect you from injury.  Your feet must be protected from your immediate environment.  People with diabetes and circulatory problems need to be especially careful that they do not injure their feet.

Footwear at work

If you work in a field that increases the chance of injuring your feet.  Safety shoes are vital.  Safety shoes and boots protect your feet, help prevent injuries and reduce the severity of injuries that occur in the workplace

Faulty foot structure and poor walking patterns influence the whole leg and therefore affect the whole body.  This may lead to twisting of the knee, hip and lower back.  It is particularly important that these conditions are checked if you have had, or are considering a hip or knee replacement.

In these circumstances, it would be advisable to see a podiatrist to obtain a postoperative assessment.

There is a lot that can be done to keep people free from foot pain.  Sometimes simple accommodative measures such as padding or individually prescribed orthotic devices ( shoe inserts) in appropriate footwear can be enough. In more severe cases surgery may be needed.

People with foot problems such as these need a thorough assessment by a podiatrist who can offer treatment and assist by suggesting the most useful alternatives.

Foot orthoses are shoe inserts  designed to support align  or  aid to improve the function of the feet.  They are also often called “orthotics”.  Orthoses .

There are many different  kinds of orthoses. The orthoses recommended by your podiatrist are prescription devices. Custom made to suit  your individual needs and biomechanics ( the way your body moves).

Who wears orthoses?

People of all ages with a variety of foot or lower leg problems wear orthoses. Sportspeople are often  prescribed orthoses  by their podiatrist to help maximise their performance, as well as to address mechanical problems.

Anyone suffering from a chronic foot or lower limb condition which is limiting their mobility or independence may benefit from wearing orthoses.

When are orthoses used ?

Your podiatrist may prescribe orthoses for your particular foot problem after a comprehensive assessment, taking  into account your own biomechanics, footwear, and occupational and lifestyles factors.

Orthoses provide valuable long term solutions in the treatment and prevention of corns , callous and ulceration by redistributing the pressure of the body’s weight on the feet

Orthoses also help with rehabilitation  of acute and chronic foot conditions such as tendonitis, recurrent ankle sprain and stress fractures, by providing consistent postural control.

Designing  a care plan for orthoses .

If orthoses are recommended, your podiatrist will design a care plan, this plan will  outline your diagnosis, the type of  orthoses you have been prescribed, proposed footwear to wear with your orthoses, lifestyle changes you may need to make, as well as any additional treatment which may be required .

What type of orthoses

Cushioning orthoses

Provide cushioning and padding underfoot with shock absorption during walking .

Pressure relief

Orthoses offer additional relief by redistributing the pressure on  problem areas of the foot.

Moulded cast or non cast orthoses

Offer similar features with superior fit, whilst prefabricated orthoses provide relief with the benefits of being customised by your podiatrist.

Functional foot ( customized kinetic)

Orthoses offer all these features, plus the benefit of postural realignment.

High standards  of treatment and follow up   to go onto website   quickly I like

Podiatrists at Wide Bay Podiatry  are primary health care practitioners for disorders of the foot and lower leg, dealing not only with diagnosis and treatment, but also prevention and rehabilitation.  When  prescribing orthoses , your podiatrist provides a comprehensive service to ensure safe and effective foot care, including:

• A full clinical assessment of your foot problem prior to prescription.
• Prescription of orthoses tailored to individual needs.
• Provision of any additional treatment required.
• Advice regarding  exercises, footwear and training methods where relevant
• Complete control over prescribing , making and fitting your orthoses.
• Comprehensive follow up initial and ongoing  treatment plan.
• Fine tuning or correction of any problems experienced in wearing the orthoses.

The  Australian Podiatry Council said during  foot health week in  1998.

And since then this statement has not changed .

While heel pain is one of the most common conditions treated by podiatrists, it appears that  a large number of people are not seeking help for their heel pain, and possibly this is due to not knowing where to turn for  help .

Who’s most at risk ?

“ Heel pain strikes most frequently in middle aged men and women , but also in those who take part in regular sporting activities and regularly on their feet.  Heel pain can also occur in children, usually between 8 and 13 , especially if they are involved in  regular sporting activity.

While heel pain has many causes , it is usually the result of a biomechanical imbalance ( abnormalities in the way we walk), too much stress on the heel bone  and the tissues  attached to it ,or complications from certain systemic diseases such as  arthritis and diabetes.

Podiatrists use a range of methods to  treat heel pain, including exercise and shoe recommendations, orthoses, taping or strapping  and manual therapies.  Most heel pain can be effectively treated without surgery.

Both the size and the shape of your child’s feet change quickly during the first year of life.  Because baby’s feet are flexible, too much pressure and strain  can affect the shape of the foot. To ensure normal growth , allow your baby to kick and stretch his or her feet. Also make sure that shoes and socks do not restrict  movement.

Talk to us if you are concerned about your baby’s feet.  Many infants have feet that appear to turn in. this may worry you , but it is rarely an issue. The shape of the foot changes as  your child grows , however if they are still  turning in after they are walking make an appointment to talk to us and  put your mind at ease.

Your toddler will walk when he or she is ready. Try not to force the issue.  Instead, watch your child’s gait once she or he begins to walk. Does the toe touch down  instead of the heel?  Does your child always sit while others play actively? If so  come to see us . If your toddler’s feet are flat, and floppy – don’t worry this is usually normal. Also many toddlers toe-in , but most grow out of the problem , call us for peace of mind.

The foot’s bone structure is pretty well formed by the time your child reaches age 7 or 8 . But  if the growth plate ( the area where bone growth begins) is injured, the damaged plate may cause the bone to grow oddly.  With a podiatrists care, however, the risk of future problems may be reduced .

    If the shoe fits   

If your child’s feet grow correctly foot problems are less likely later in life, For healthier young feet , be sure  your child’s shoes fit. Outline your child’s foot when he or she is standing . Place the shoe over the drawing  and see if the shoe is big enough to hold the foot comfortably.