Helping patients select properly fitting athletic shoes.

 By Angela Kargus

 

Many people choose fashion over function when purchasing athletic shoes. Because footwear is important for musculoskeletal function—especially for athletes and others who spend a lot of time on their feet—choosing the right shoe can help prevent the patient’s pain in the back, hips, knees, and feet. The following points will help you educate patients about how to choose properly fitting athletic shoes.

Determining the Right Kind of Shoe

Shoe Purchasing Tips

·       Match the shoe to the activity. Running shoes are primarily made to absorb shock as the heel strikes the ground. In contrast, tennis shoes provide more side-to-side stability. Walking shoes allow the foot to roll and push off naturally during walking, and they usually have a fairly rigid arch, a well-cushioned sole and a stiff heel support for stability.

Compensating with Orthotics

·        Feet are to the skeletal system what a foundation is to a house. If the foot has a structural abnormality, the body must compensate—often to the detriment of the legs, low back, or other areas.

·        To correct an abnormal or irregular walking pattern, consider custom-designed shoe inserts, called orthotics. They alter the angle at which the foot strikes the ground, improving foot function, and often reducing pain. 

 

 

 

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