May 2021

Finding the right walking shoe for your foot is important for everyone—and especially so for those with wider feet. Wide feet may be genetic, or caused by age, flat feet, weight gain, or pregnancy. Trying to squeeze a wider foot into a medium or narrow width shoe can lead to bunions, hammertoe, ingrown toenails, blisters, calluses, and more. However, many people are not even aware that they need a wide shoe, so it is important to check your foot’s correct length and width every time you purchase new shoes. Stand on a piece of paper at the end of the day (after a full day of use), and trace the outline of both feet. Record the length (from the big toe to the heel) as well as the width at the widest part of the ball of the foot. Check these measurements against an online shoe-sizing chart to help determine if you need a wide fit walking shoe. Wide size feet also need walking shoes with ample room in the toe box, good arch support, a wide insole, and a well-constructed outsole with plenty of shock absorption and traction. If you need help determining the accurate length and width of your feet, or have foot issues that make it difficult to find shoes that are comfortable, consult with a podiatrist.

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 Dr. Thomas Tran from Southwestern Foot & Ankle Associates, P.C.. 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 Frisco, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Sever’s disease, or calcaneal apophysitis, is a painful condition that occurs almost exclusively among growing children between five-to-twelve years old. During growth spurts when the body is changing rapidly, the Achilles tendon which attaches to the back of the calcaneus (heel) bone, can pull repeatedly on the growth plate, causing inflammation and pain at the site. Children who are active in sports—and put additional stress on that area of the heel by running and jumping—are at an increased risk of developing Sever’s disease. While Sever’s disease will go away in time when the growth plate closes, it can be a very painful condition and restrict a child from activities they enjoy. A podiatrist can create custom orthotics that are designed for the child’s individual foot to cushion and support the heel, and give them specific stretching and strengthening exercises as well as anti-inflammatory medicine to help any pain or swelling in the area.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Dr. Thomas Tran from Southwestern Foot & Ankle Associates, P.C.. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

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