Be wary of just letting your kid pick out any shoe that catches their eye, because some shoes will be more protective than others during the normal school day. Instead, we think you should focus on these four factors when working with your child to pick out a new pair of shoes as they prepare to head back for another year of school.

Four Focuses Of Back To School Shoe Shopping

If you keep these four tips in mind, we’re confident that you’ll be able to get your child into a stylish and supportive pair of shoes that will protect their feet this school year.

Comfort And Support Are King – The two most important factors when it comes to picking out a new pair of shoes are comfort and support, and you need to have a healthy dose of both. While Crocs or slippers may be comfortable, they aren’t very supportive, and an overly supportive work boot wouldn’t be the most comfortable for walking around school, so aim for a mix of both. Your child may have other factors in mind – brand, color, style, appearance – but make sure the pair they are considering is both comfortable and supportive of their foot. They’ll be in this shoe for at least eight hours a day, so they’ll need it to support their foot shape and provide comfort throughout the day.

Try Before You Buy – We know how easy it is to shop from the comfort of your couch at home, but it’s a good idea to go to a store when buying back to school shoes to ensure they fit correctly. Not only are kids’ feet growing rapidly at this stage in life, but shoe brand sizes different slightly, so an 8.5 in one brand may be smaller than an 8.5 in another brand. You may have intentions of returning a shoe that doesn’t fit properly, but sometimes people end up settling for good enough. Go to the store and pick out the shoe in person.

Allow For Growth – If your child is going through a growth spurt, consider buying shoes that are just a little roomier than normal. If you buy shoes that fit perfectly or are a shade too small, they may not fit your child’s foot after the first month of school. Err on the side of too big over too small so that the shoes will continue to fit them as they grow throughout the school year. Just don’t go way too big, as that can lead to trips or stumbles.

Consider Individual Needs – Finally, think about some of the factors that are unique to your child and keep them in mind when shoe shopping. Are they always running around? If so, a more athletic shoe may be ideal. Does their school have a specific dress code? Make sure any style you’re considering conforms to the code. Do they need a separate pair of gym shoes for the year? Grab another pair before you leave the store. It may sound obvious, but always be sure to consider the unique needs of your child when picking out the perfect pair of back to school shoes.

School will be back in session before we know it, but if you keep these tips in mind when picking out a pair of back to school shoes, we know your child’s feet will be protected for another year. And if pain or a foot injury develops, be sure to connect with Dr. Silverman by filling out this contact form.

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Protecting Your Feet This School Year

You don’t need to take drastic steps to protect your child’s feet ahead of the new school year, but if you follow a couple key pieces of advice, we’re confident you’ll be helping to keep their feet strong this year.

Footwear – It’s very important that you take a closer look at the shoes that your child will be wearing at school, during gym class or for extra curricular athletics. A child’s feet can grow rather quickly, so the shoes they wore last year may not fit this time around. Ask them about their shoes and check their fit. If you need to buy new shoes, we recommend buying them in person at a store so that you can ensure they are comfortable and fit your child’s feet properly. Shoe sizes can vary a bit between manufacturers, so ordering shoes online can be a risky game. For more shoe buying tips ahead of the new school year, check out this blog we penned on the topic.

Sports – The new school year also means that many fall sports will be getting under way, and you’ll want to do what you can to help protect your child’s feet from injury during athletics. As we mentioned in this blog, it’s crucial that your child partakes in some exercise or conditioning program prior to the start of the season so that they are less likely to overstress their feet and ankles once practices begin. You also want to take some time to break in new cleats or athletic shoes before the season begins, as new or stiff shoes can lead to blisters or sores while your feet get used to their fit. Don’t wait until the season begins to start preparing your athlete for the upcoming sports season.

Look For Signs Of Injury – Finally, make sure that you keep an eye out for anything that suggests your child may be dealing with a new injury or pain from overuse. Many foot and ankle injuries can linger if you don’t proactively treat the problem, and kids aren’t always quick to let you know that they hurt their foot or ankle at school. If they mention that their feet are hurting after school or you notice that they are limping or have new blisters on their feet, talk to them and find a way to proactively care for their feet so that discomfort doesn’t persist. If you need help treating any of these new foot issues, simply reach out to Dr. Silverman!

The post Foot Health Tips To Keep In Mind For The New School Year appeared first on Lance Silverman, MD - Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Surgeon.

In today’s blog, we share some tips for buying new shoes for your child this Back to School season.

Back To School Shoe Shopping

A child’s foot grows quite quickly during their adolescent years, so it’s not uncommon for kids to grow out of their shoes each year or even sooner. If your child’s shoes no longer fit, or they beat them up this summer and need something without scuffs or holes, here are some tips to keep in mind when you’re out looking for a new pair.

1. Bring Your Kid With You – It is much easier to ensure that any new shoes fit properly if you bring your child with you. All size 9 shoes fit a little differently, so don’t just assume going one size up from their last pair will get the job done. Not only is it helpful to bring them along to ensure a proper fit, but they can also help to pick out a pair that they like and will enjoy wearing.

2. Have Them Move Around – Have your child try on the new pair of shoes in the store and walk around a bit. You’ll want to ensure that the new shoes are supportive and comfortable to walk in, so try them out before you buy.

3. Consider A Professional Fit – We understand that it’s easier to have a couple of pairs shipped to your door, but for the best fit, head to a shoe store and let an associate help measure your child’s foot so that you can find a pair that is the correct size and fit. Shoes that are too loose or too tight can cause problems for their feet, and if you’re not exactly sure how much room their toes should have in their shoes, let an expert assist.

4. Break Them In – You probably want their shoes to look perfect for the first day of school, but it’s not always a great idea to send them to school in a pair of shoes they haven’t worn for an extended period before. New shoes may rub on the feet and ankles in a certain way, leading to blisters or sores. New shoes will also impact muscles in the feet differently than an old pair, so your child is more likely to experience some light soreness after wearing a new shoe for an extended period. Gradually break them in during the lead up to school so that they aren’t wearing their new shoes for 10 hours the first time they put them on.

5. Consider Quality – Finally, when buying a pair of shoes, really take a closer look at the quality of the shoe material. Cheaper, less supportive shoes can wear down quicker and increase your child’s risk of an injury. We’re not saying that you need to spend hundreds of dollars on shoes that they’ll grow out of in six months, but take a closer look at the shoe quality and read some reviews before you move forward with a purchase.

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Back To School Shoe Shopping

Helping your child into the right pair of shoes this school year may not be as easy as in year’s past, especially if they are getting older and have stronger opinions on fashion or footwear. You don’t need to force them into any shoe they don’t want, but don’t be afraid to explain some of the things they should keep in mind when picking out shoes they’ll be wearing regularly to school. Those things include:

Function Over Fashion – Don’t get us wrong, we understand that fashion can seem like everything to kids and teenagers, but you need to be at least somewhat mindful of how the shoe will function in the activities your child will throw at them each day. In fact, choosing function over fashion is a great way to protect their feet this year. Kids can put a lot of steps on their feet each day at school, so make sure the shoe they choose can handle these steps with ease.

Comfort – The shoe should be tough enough to handle the stress you throw at it but also designed in such a way that it comforts and supports your foot. If your foot is comfortable, it’s not being overburdened by stress or pressure, both of which can contribute to foot pain and injuries.

Get The Right Fit – Have a plan in place to ensure your child chooses a shoe that actually fits their foot. Whether that means being professionally fitted in store or ordering a size 10.5 and 11 online and returning the option that doesn’t quite fit, make sure that your child’s foot is in a shoe that fits. Shoes that are too tight can contribute to ingrown toenails, hammertoes and blisters, while shoes that are too loose can fail to provide ankle support and lead to sprains or even fractures.

Account For Gym Class Or Sports – Finally, make sure that your child has the right shoes if they will be doing any significant physical activity during gym class or an after school sport. Athletic shoes will provide more support to the ankle joint and tread for running on a gym floor, and cleats or sport-specific shoes will help to protect your child’s feet from the rigors of that sport. Follow the same rules above when picking out athletic shoes – get the right fit and make sure the shoe is both comfortable and supportive.

The post How To Put Your Child’s Feet First This Back To School Season appeared first on Lance Silverman, MD - Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Surgeon.

Coronavirus and Back To School

Here are some tips for helping your child or teen get ready for a return to the classroom during the era of COVID-19.

Masks – Many schools will require students to wear a mask when they are in the hallways, on the bus or in the classroom. Consider getting your child used to this sensation before you send them back to school, especially if they are young. Have them wear a mask around the house or when you’re out and about to help them get used to the sensation of a mask on their face.

Point Out The Positives – Regardless of your personal views on the situation, try to focus on the positives when talking with your children about going back to school. Talk about what new classes they’ll get to take, how they’ll get to see their friends again, and all of the fun things that go with another school year. Don’t dwell on the unknown.

Foster Open Communication – Make sure your children know that they can talk to you about any concerns they have. Honesty is very important in these times, so also talk to them about letting you know if they have any symptoms. Let them know that you’re not going to work with symptoms, and that they shouldn’t go to school if they aren’t feeling well. Make sure they know they can come to you if they have questions or concerns.

Let Them Help With Back To School Shopping – You may not be keen on heading to the normal department stores to go back to school shopping, but that doesn’t mean your children shouldn’t be involved in the process. If you’re ordering clothes or school supplies online, let them help and give their opinion. If they are excited about their new backpack or pair of shoes, it will take their mind off other things.

Hygiene – Now more than ever, it’s important that your children develop a good personal hygiene routine. Get them in the habit of washing their hands and disinfecting regularly. Not only will this help keep them safe, but it can cut down on the spread of the coronavirus to others.

Vaccinations – Make sure your child is up to date on their yearly physical and all their required immunizations before the school year begins.

If you keep these tips in mind, you’ll be as prepared as you can be during these uncertain times. For more information, or for help with a foot or ankle issue, reach out to Dr. Silverman’s office today.

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Back To School Shoes

When it comes to buying new shoes, especially for kids and teens, it’s imperative that you do so in store.  Shoe brands and styles fit differently even if they are designated the same size shoe, so what fits in a 7.5 in one style may actually fit better as an 8 in another pair. If you buy online, you won’t know exactly how they fit your feet until they arrive in the mail days or weeks after your purchase. Many people don’t want to go through the hassle of returning a pair, so they may be tempted to keep a pair of shoes that doesn’t fit perfectly just to save themselves some time. This is why it’s important to buy or at least try on shoes in store so you know your exact size and how each potential pair fits your feet.

Another reason why it’s important to buy shoes from a store as opposed to buying online is that you can see how the shoe contours to your child’s feet. Simply getting a shoe that is long enough to accommodate the foot is only part of the equation. You also want one that is supportive of their arches, their flat feet and their foot width. An in store associate can help ensure the shoe you’re looking at fits correctly in all the right places.

When buying shoes for the school year, make sure you get a pair that can handle the task at hand. We know that your kid is going to opt for a fashionable option, but if it has cheap soles or a high heel, that’s not going to be a comfortable option for traversing the school hallways. They are going to put thousands of steps on their shoes each and every day, so make sure comfort and fit are prioritized over fashion trends or flashy designs.

Lastly, if you have your smartphone handy when at the store, consider doing a little online research about the shoe. Check out what others are saying about the durability and design of the shoe, because a flimsy shoe could put your child’s feet in danger for injury. Make sure it has some positive reviews online, and if that’s not available, ask the shoe associate at the store about the brand and style to see if they have had any issues with the shoe.

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Back To School Shoe Shopping

If you’re going to be buying new shoes for your kid or children this year, keep these tips in mind:

Buy In Store – Although it may be slightly cheaper or more convenient to buy online, you don’t have the benefits of trying on the shoes before your buy when you purchase online. Considering how fast your child’s feet grow at this age, and the size differences between manufacturers, you’ll always want to make sure your child can try on the shoes before buying.

Err On The Big Size – This is a pretty common sense point, but it’s worth pointing out. When fitting your child’s feet, always err on the side of the shoe being too big instead of too tight. We’re not saying you should buy a half a size or a full size larger than what’s comfortable, but your child’s feet are only going to get bigger, so if they are in between sizes, opt for the bigger shoe so that there’s less chance of restriction issues as they continue to grow.

Professional Fit – Another perk about shopping in-store is that you can have your child’s foot professionally measured and fit to a shoe. This way you’ll know that they are getting something that will be comfortable for their foot size.

Consider Extracurriculars – A lot of schools require that children have a pair of gym shoes to change into for gym class, so don’t just assume the shoes you purchase for your kid will double as a supportive athletic shoe. Find an athletic shoe that will support their foot during movement and activity to keep them protected while they are running around in gym.

Rubber Soles – Children are typically very active, and their shoes can wear out quicker than normal. Not only will rubber soles help protect against wear and tear, but they provide extra cushioning and shock absorption for active feet.

Be Careful About Hand-Me-Downs – We get the appeal of saving money by re-purposing an old pair of shoes from an older sibling, but there’s no guarantee that it will fit right, even if they appear to be the same size. Really measure their feet and see how their foot fits inside hand-me-downs before assuming that the old pair will work for them this school year.

Ask Your Doctor – If your kid is going in for their yearly physical, or they are seeing a foot specialist for a visit, ask them to take a look at your child’s feet and provide some footwear guidance. Some kids would benefit from arch support, while others need a wider toe box. Parents may not be able to identify these signs as easily as a medical professional.

For more tips on buying shoes for your child this back to school season, reach out to Dr. Silverman in the comments section below with your questions.

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We don’t really care how you dress your child, but we are interested in helping you find a good pair of shoes that help keep your child injury free. Below, we’ve outlined some tips for picking out the best pair of back-to-school shoes.

Shoe Buying Basics

Err on the Big Side – Children at growing at a rapid rate during elementary and middle school, and so too are their feet. I’ve had parents tell me that their children have outgrown two pairs of shoes in less than a year! So if your child is in between sizes, or they say one pair is too tight while the other is a little too loose, opt for the bigger option. If your child’s foot is squeezed into a shoe that’s too tight, they could end up with ingrown toenails or bunions.

Comfort Over Fashion – This is way easier said than done, especially with school-aged kids. In fact, they may even have a pair in mind before they hit the store, but it’s important to try the shoes on and make sure they fit comfortably. We all know that kids want their shoes to look cool, but they sure won’t look cool if they are limping around the halls because their shoes aren’t comfortable.

Durability –  We’re not trying to tell you that you need to spend a lot of money on a new pair of shoes that your kids will outgrow in six months, but it’s probably not the best idea to opt for the cheapest pair on the rack. Oftentimes the cheapest shoes aren’t made with the best materials. Find a durable shoe that won’t wear down quickly.

Traction – If you’re at the mall specifically to by gym shoes, make sure your buy a pair that has a good grip on the bottom. If they don’t, your kid could slip in gym class and hurt their ankle.

Know Your Child – Some kids have wide feet, while others have high arches. In order to buy the right type of shoes for your child, you need to know your child’s feet. Ask a sales associate to measure their feet and to look for any foot conditions that aren’t protected by a regular pair of shoes.

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It’s Back-to-School time!  Did preventing injuries make it onto your checklist?  Although children and parents alike are full of excitement and nerves as it’s time to head into a new classroom, it is important to know that 40% of all injuries occur at the beginning and the end of every school year, (according to the national organization SafeKidsUSA).

Nearly 70% of accidents occur on public playgrounds, including school playgrounds.  More than one-third of all playground injuries are severe, with children experiencing fractures, internal injuries, concussions, and dislocations.  Of all playground equipment-related injuries, 70% involve falls to the surface and 10% onto the equipment.  As a general rule of thumb, if a child falls a greater distance than he or she is tall, the likelihood of severe injury increases significantly.

“Playground injuries are the leading cause of injury among children ages 5 to 14 in the school environment, with falls being the highest offender,” says Annette Giacomazzi, founder and owner of CastCoverZ! “My 10 year old daughter was standing on top of a fairly new play structure and fell seven feet, hitting a piece of equipment on the way down and snapping her humerus, the large bone in her upper arm. Anecdotally and from a mother’s point of view, children are distracted from thinking about safety because of the excitement of the start of the school year or the end of school.  Being safe is the farthest thing from their minds.”

The good news is most playground injuries are preventable.  SafeKidsUSA recommends the following tips to prevent avoidable injuries on the school playground:

1. Look for age-appropriate equipment and hazards (such as rusted or broken equipment and dangerous surfaces)
2. Avoid playing on non-impact absorbing surfaces like concrete or gravel
3. Remove hood and neck drawstrings from all children’s outerwear to avoid strangulation hazards
4. Remove bike helmets before using any playground equipment
5. Children must be supervised when using playground equipment
6. Teach children proper playground behavior: no pushing, shoving, or crowding

Now is the time to add to your back-to-school checklist and have a discussion with your children and your school’s playground supervisors about safety on the playground.

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