A good shoe should fit the shape of your foot. Poorly fitting shoes can cause all sorts of foot problems, including corns and bunions. With properly fitted shoes, your toes should be able to wiggle comfortably without hanging off the front of the shoe. Your heel should fit snugly and securely without feeling like it is slipping up and down. It is best to get your feet measured since one foot is usually larger than the other. Try shoes on both feet. Shoes should fit the larger foot. Pay attention to whether the shoes rub or pinch anywhere. Shoes should have at least ¼ inch between the longest toe and the end of the shoe for proper fit. For shoes with heels, make sure the toes lie together and are not cramped from wearing too high of a heel. If you plan to wear socks or stockings with shoes, try them on with those foot coverings. If you have questions about the proper fit of shoes, consult with a podiatrist who can help you.

It is important to find shoes that fit you properly in order to avoid a variety of different foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact Mack Jay Groves IV, DPM from Practice. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

Shoes have many different functions. They cushion our body weight, protect our feet, and allow us to safely play sports. You should always make sure that the shoes you wear fit you properly in order to avoid injuries and deformities such as: bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and more. It is important to note that although a certain pair of shoes might be a great fit for someone else, that doesn’t mean they will be a great fit for you. This is why you should always try on shoes before buying them to make sure they are worth the investment. Typically, shoes need to be replaced ever six months to one year of regular use.

Tips for Proper Shoe Fitting

• Select a shoe that is shaped like your foot
• Don’t buy shoes that fit too tight, expecting them to stretch to fit
• Make sure there is enough space (3/8” to ½”) for your longest toe at the end of each shoe when you are standing up
• Walk in the shoes to make sure they fit and feel right
• Don’t select shoes by the size marked inside the shoe, but by how the shoe fits your foot

The shoes you buy should always feel as good as they look. Shoes that fit properly will last longer, feel better, and improve your way of life each day.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Covington, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Children’s feet are not just smaller than adult feet. They are shaped differently, and will change as they grow. During the first year of life, children’s feet are soft and supple and have ample fat pads on the soles. The arch of the foot begins to develop when a child starts to walk. The muscles become stronger as the feet grow in length and width. Before children begin to walk, their feet do not need to be covered except for warmth and hygiene. In fact, footwear that is too tight can interfere with the growth and development of their feet. Even when a child starts to walk, shoes are not needed indoors. Walking barefoot can help their feet grow normally, develop muscle tone, strength, and toe grasping action. While outside, a child’s feet should be protected by lightweight, flexible footwear. Shoes for young children should provide a degree of foot cushioning, stability, and foot flexibility. It is wise to check your child’s feet frequently to make sure their footwear is the correct size which may help to prevent foot issues from arising. If you are unsure of how to take care of your child’s feet or have questions about choosing appropriate footwear, consult a podiatrist who can help you.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Mack Jay Groves IV, DPM of Practice. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Covington, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The study of how the foot moves through the gait cycle is called foot biomechanics. This is important in making sure your feet do not overpronate or over-supinate so the feet absorb shock when they hit the ground and propel forward movement properly. If the foot overpronates, it causes the foot to flatten too much and the ankle and knee to roll inward. This can increase the risk of injury and cause lower leg, hip, and back injuries. If the foot does over-supinate, it fails to roll in or flatten sufficiently and will not be able to absorb shock. Those who over supinate have high arches and less flexible feet. To prevent injuries from occurring from improper pronation, visit a podiatrist who can access your gait and analyze how your foot works. If something is wrong, a podiatrist can provide the proper treatment.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Mack Jay Groves IV, DPM from Practice. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Covington, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Plantar fasciitis is an extremely common foot affliction that affects a wide variety of different individuals of different backgrounds. Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the plantar fascia, the tissue that runs through the arch of the foot. The plantar fascia can become swollen or inflamed when it is strained and overused. There are several risk factors of plantar fasciitis to be aware of that could increase the probability of developing this condition. For example, consistently wearing ill-fitting shoes, or footwear that offers little or no arch support, can increase your risk of plantar fasciitis. Additionally, if you are overweight or have gained a significant amount of weight in a short amount of time, this extra weight that you are putting on your feet could make the development of plantar fasciitis more likely. Lastly, running substantially long distances, particularly on uneven surfaces, can make one more susceptible to plantar fasciitis. Contact a podiatrist today for an appointment if you think that you have plantar fasciitis.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Mack Jay Groves IV, DPM  from Practice. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Covington, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.