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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    Why is it important for kids to have properly fitted shoes?

    Related Topics
    Foot Conditions Parenting Parenting Big Kids (5-8)
    I'd like to understand the importance of getting my kids shoes properly fitted? What is the health benefits of this?
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    Jacqueline Kan

    Podiatrist (General)

    Cheltenham Podiatry offers excellence in all areas of footcare.From corns, callouses, fungal nails to sports injuries, Diabetic foot care, ingrown nails and orthotics. Full gait … View Profile

    It is important for several reasons. Properly fitted shoes will provide better support, and thus can help prevent foot conditions(overuse soft tissue injuries)  and structural deformities such as clawed toes, bunions etc, which is particularly important in the growing foot. Of course there can be other aggravating factors of these conditions, but a properly fitted shoe can help prevent and resolve many foot conditions.

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    Anthony Short

    Podiatrist (General)

    Anthony Short BAppSc(Pod) MPod hold both Bachelor and Master level degrees in podiatry, and works in private practice, hospital and educational positions within Brisbane. His … View Profile

    Proper shoe fitting is an inexact science, though common sense would easily recognise that a shoe that is (in particular) too small, is likely to cause discomfort, or worse.

    The most extreme example to compare is the historical tradition of ‘chinese foot binding’. In this situation, the morphology, shape and function of the foot are permanently altered through the application of compressive bandaging. To a much milder degree, a poor fitting shoe has the potential to also influence the natural development of the foot. This will be of more importance in children due to the fact that the growth plates and ossification centres of the bones of a childs' foot are still active.

    Shoes that are too large cause far less concern - except that they will make the child clumsy and more prone to trips and falls. It is the shoe that is too tight that is more of an issue.

    In some situations, parents are keen to recycle a child's shoe to a sibling once they are outgrown. Often this may be of no concern (I have done this myself). However, if the foot has collapsed the shoe and altered the sole in an uneven manner - it is possible to become a cause of pain and discomfort as the mechanics of the foot and leg can be affected.

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