Back to School

It’s that time of year again – the last month of the summer and time to get your children ready to go back to school! Back-to-school season may be painful for some students, but it does not need to involve achy and painful feet. 

Flip-flops are the summer footwear of choice for many students. They are inexpensive and stylish. However, they do not cushion or support the foot, often leading to pain and biomechanical issues. Heel pain and arch pain rank among the most common complaints among students who wear flip-flops all summer. Other flip-flop foot problems students can take back to school include inflammation of the Achilles tendon, painful pinched nerves, sprained ankles, broken or sprained toes and bones of the feet, cuts, scrapes, plantar warts, athlete’s foot and callus buildup on the heels and toes. 

Custom foot orthotics are shoe inserts that are fabricated by a certified orthoptist for the individual’s needs to correct certain ailments. They reduce stress and strain on body tissues by ensuring proper biomechanical alignment, reducing the impact of forces that occur during the gait cycle. When used in conjunction with appropriate and supportive footwear, a foot orthotic can be effective in helping to treat a number of foot and lower limb conditions. By reducing or eliminating your students’ foot pain with simple treatment methods, including stretching exercises, ice massage, anti-inflammatory medications or custom inserts, your child will be ready for heading back to school. 

Additional suggestions for proper foot care: 

– Inspect your child’s shoes. Assess for worn down treads, stressed seams, bulging sides or bent upward toe boxes. 

– Purchase quality shoes with good arch support, buckles or Velcro straps. 

– Ensure children wear shoes that fit properly, not too tight or too big. Remember to have one finger’s breadth beyond the end of the toe. 

– Check your child’s feet for pain, cuts, redness, swelling, etc. before and after they wear their new school shoes. 

We are here to help with your child’s back to school needs. Contact us for a complimentary assessment. You can reach us via phone, email or social media.

 

The Custom Orthotics Team (519) 850-4721 | office@customorthoticsoflondon.com | @cool_bracing