Did you know that some shoes can cause more harm than good? Chances are, you’re wearing shoes that often cause foot and ankle problems, but don’t worry—we have some alternative solutions for your closet.

High Heels – heels limit the motion of the ankles and joints when worn, thus creating a wide variety of foot and ankle ailments. Some of the most common effects include: Achilles tendonitis, hammertoes, bunions, plantar fasciitis, Morton’s neuroma and corns. If you have to wear heels, please limit the time worn. Also, incorporate plantar fascia and calf stretching exercises (check out our video library for exercises).

Try these instead: Orthofeet Maya 2” heels |  BioHeels Dina 2” heels

Flip Flops– these summer staples for many people, are also one of the worst for your feet. Flip flops are thin and unstructured, offering zero support, leading to painful plantar fasciitis, tendon problems and sprained/fractured ankles.

Try these instead: ABEO orbit neutral women’s sandal  |  ABEO women’s acaia neutral  |  ABEO Men’s Jerome neutral flip flops  |  Vionic men’s slide sandals

Ballet Flats – flats lack arch support and offer no room for custom orthotics. Ballet flats can also cause increased ingrown toenails because they can put pressure on the toes and cause the nailbeds to grow inwards. With no room in the toebox, and often leading to blisters on the heel or sides of the feet, ballet flats are not a good option for your everyday shoes.

Try these instead: Women’s Delilah flat | Women’s Gramercy ballet flat

Uggs– Slip on boots with sheepskin lining are a major no no when it comes to winter shoes. Many people wear them without socks, which can lead to a build up of fungus because of the humidity created within the boot. Although they may seem comfortable for short periods of time, they are not made for wearing long periods of time or walking a lot due to the lack of arch and ankle support.

Try this instead: Still want to wear your Uggs? Add custom orthotics to your favorite pair of sheepskin boots and don’t forget to spray the inside lining with an anti-fungal spray once a month.

The benefits of youth sports are abundant and encourage a healthy lifestyle, discipline, team building and leadership skills to name a few. However, according to Johns Hopkins, “almost one-third of all injuries incurred in childhood are sports-related injuries.” To avoid sports injuries in your child it’s important to follow these tips:

1. Buy the right shoes (those dedicated to a certain sport) and new shoes every season.
2. Check playing surfaces for any foot/ankle hazards, such as uneven surfaces, and alert coaches to any potential hazards.
3. Ensure your children are warming up (light cardio, jumping jacks and stretching) before engaging in any type of sport.
4. Encourage your children to try different sports each season, as overuse injuries become more and more common. When they play the same sport each time, it can lead to muscle fatigue, tears and strains.
5. If you suspect any sort of injury, contact our office right away so that we can examine and treat your child’s injury as soon as possible. Finding the problem and focusing on a specific solution will help your child avoid any issues later in life.

The end of school also often means summer jobs and internships. Lawn mowing services can be a popular summer job for middle and high schoolers. Each year, many children are injured by lawn mowers, but the good news is that injuries are easily avoidable.

1. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children be at least 12 years of age to operate a push-behind lawn mower, and at least 16 years of age to operate a riding lawn mower.
2. Ensure that protective guards, shields and other mower safety equipment are on the mower properly and in good condition.
3. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes with slip-proof soles, protective eyewear, hearing protection and tighter fitting clothing.
4. Clear the entire mowing area of any sticks, branches, rocks or toys.

If you have any questions or feel that your child may need further examination, please call our office at (317) 573-4250. Our doctors are experts in pediatric foot and ankle care.