Health Tips for June 19

Health Tip: Make Sure Your Child's Shoes Fit

Your little one is growing faster than you expected, and his or her feet are no exception.

As children's shoe buying becomes a frequent ritual, the American Podiatric Medical Association offers this advice:

• Make sure the shoes have firm heel support, a flexible sole where the feet bend, cushioning in the insoles, and good arch support.
• Size the feet when the child is standing and bearing weight on the feet.
• Allow for a thumb's width between the tip of the toes and the end of the shoe -- enough so the child can comfortably wiggle the toes.
• Ask the child to walk around in the shoes (make sure socks are on, too). Ask about fit and comfort, and check to see if the feet are irritated afterward.
• Make sure the shoes don't slip off at the heel.
• Measure both feet, and buy shoes in the size that fit the larger foot.

Health Tip: Are You at Risk for Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis occurs when the thick tissue that connects the heel to the toes becomes irritated, inflamed and painful.

The ADAM Encyclopedia mentions these potential risk factors for plantar fasciitis:

• Having either high arches or flat feet.
• Being obese.
• Exposing the feet to repetitive stress, from activities such as running long distances, running on an uneven surfaces or running downhill.
• Gaining weight rapidly.
• Having tightness in the Achilles tendon.
• Wearing shoes that don't offer good arch support or have soft soles.