How is out-toeing corrected?
In most cases, your child’s out-toeing feet will correct themselves over time as the muscles grow stronger, the bones harden, and the neuromuscular control over the limbs gets better. In the meantime, we normally take a wait-and-see and careful monitoring approach.
Since special shoes, braces, physical therapy, stretching, and even chiropractic manipulations don’t seem to help when a child’s feet point out, we normally don’t attempt them. The most important thing you can do is to make sure your child has adequate nutrition and exercise to form healthy bones, tendons, and muscles.
If your child is at least ten years old and is still having significant problems that are causing pain and limiting his or her ability to participate in normal kids’ activities, we will consider surgery to correct out-toeing. An osteotomy involves cutting the bone, realigning it in the right position, and holding it in place with a plate, bars, or screws. All surgery has risks, but this may allow your child to be free of pain and able to function normally.
If you would like us to evaluate your child’s foot condition, call the foot doctors at Rocky Mountain Foot & Ankle Center at (303) 423-2520.
What should I look for in a good running shoe?
First of all, you want to be sure your running shoes are designed to support your arch style. If you have had any foot pain when running, you may want to have a gait analysis done by one of the qualified foot doctors at Rocky Mountain Foot & Ankle Center in the west Denver area. We can evaluate how your foot moves, address any pronation problems, and steer you toward the best types of shoes for your arch type.
For overpronators (foot rolls too far in) look for a motion-control shoe that keeps your arch from collapsing. A neutral arch may benefit from a normal stability shoe, while an underpronator should look for one where the last is cut away a bit under the instep and which has lots of cushioning.
Beyond that, pay attention to the quality of construction, the fit (room for your toes, snug heels), and how comfortable the shoe feels. You will travel many miles in them, so make sure they do the best for your feet. Call our Golden or Wheat Ridge office at (303) 423-2520 to schedule a gait analysis or address your other foot concerns.
Why do I need sport-specific shoes?
The science of sports medicine has made many advances in the last couple of decades, and one that has spawned a multi-billion shoe industry is the study of the biomechanics of the feet. Video helps us capture the way players feet move in various sports, and manufacturers design athletic shoes based on that knowledge.
There is real value in sport-specific shoes. The high tops of basketball shoes help prevent ankle sprains that can be caused by the constant jumping and landing. The cleats on football or soccer shoes can be changed out based on the playing surface for each game to provide the best traction and footing. Hiking boots are made with good tread to keep you from slipping on hills and cushioning for the rocks, roots, and uneven ground you encounter.
The goal of special shoes for specific sports is to give the proper support for the required foot movements, protect your feet from common injuries, and help you perform the best that you can. Let the foot specialists at Rocky Mountain Foot & Ankle Center help guide your sports shoe choices. Call (303) 423-2520 or contact us online today.
When should I replace my running shoes?
One thing that says it is time to replace running shoes is when your feet, shins, or joints start to feel fatigued or hurt. This is a sign that the midsole, which provides most of the support in your shoes, is starting to break down. This may happen long before the shoe or the tread looks worn. Here are some ways to check the midsole:
- Try to twist the shoe; a solid midsole won’t twist.
- Compare a new pair to the old one. Does the cushioning still give or feel dead?
- Look at your shoes from the back. If the soles are worn or the shoes are leaning, most likely the midsole has deteriorated as well.
- Take out the liner and check the midsole for creases at the heel of the ball of foot area.
You can also keep track of the miles you put on a pair of running shoes and replace them around the 300 or 400 mark, depending on how much you weigh and how hard you are on them. For more information about running and shoes, contact Rocky Mountain Foot & Ankle Center in Wheat Ridge, Golden, Evergreen, or Granby, CO by calling (303) 423-2520.
Is it safe to exercise with arthritis?
With rheumatoid arthritis, you need to be careful not to aggravate a joint that is flaring up. If your shoulder is sore, you may want to walk, and if your ankles are swollen and inflamed, swimming or biking might be a better alternative. For wear-and-tear arthritis that damages the cartilage in your joints, it is usually safe to exercise as long as you start slowly.
The general benefits of exercise are well-known, but for osteoarthritis sufferers, it is especially helpful in reducing the stiffness, swelling, and pain that accompanies this condition. By increasing your muscle strength and flexibility, your joints function better and you can move freely. When you do aerobic exercise that gets your heart and circulation going, it helps maintain a good weight and lessen the stress on your joints, while also protecting against heart disease. And best of all, you will sleep better at night. Who wouldn’t want that?
Call Rocky Mountain Foot & Ankle Center in Wheat Ridge, CO, at (303) 423-2520 for more tips on exercising with arthritis.
