Back to School Feature January 2008 (Local Papers)Footwear Advice for Young Growing Feet. Stewart Levy is a Certified Pedorthist - Certified Medical Grade Footwear Practitioner - Custom Shoe Maker – Orthotist who has been practicing for almost 30 years both in Australia and abroad. Stewart specialises in the alignment of the foot, ankle and lower limb in children and adults using a unique orthotic therapy, shoe modifications, custom made and medical grade footwear. For five days a week, approximately 40 hours per week feet are enclosed in shoes. Without the correct support many foot problem will occur later in life. Being aware of this can save various problems in the future. He educates on choosing the correct footwear especially for young children returning to back to school. He conducts his business, Custom Foot Australia P/L from his new clinic just off Mona Vale Rd in Elanora Heights/Ingleside on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. Stewart has seen all manner of foot problems ranging from weak ankles, flat feet, knocked knees, claw toes, bunions and leg length discrepancies and lower back pain to more extreme orthopaedic problems, such as Polio, Diabeties, Arthritic pathologies, sciatica, scoliosis and poor postural alignment. “In my profession I have see many foot and lower limb disorders in older people that could have been avoided by their detection and treatment in childhood." says Stewart. “For this reason I spend a lot of my time educating parents and children on how to avoid problems with their feet and especially how to choose the correct footwear for growing feet.” He is an expert in orthotic therapy, including sports innovative improvement, pedorthic shoe modification, and orthotics built-in to Birkenstock sandals or any other good quality footwear. Today children are forced to play, run and walk on flat, hard, man made surfaces such as playgrounds, streets and shopping centers. Over time this can cause problems with flexibility to the foot and ankle and lower limb. "The arch of the foot is a well designed structure that supports the whole body." adds Stewart” hard surfaces take away the spring in the arch and the strength in the foot muscles that is created when walking on the natural earth surfaces. Some of today’s footwear for children does not have good construction yet children will choose shoes according to trends and pear pressure. Unfortunately this can often lead to serious future problems because the shoes fail to give adequate support and the foot becomes weaker." Even socks and sockets are known to be causing deformities in some cases. Stewart advises that when selecting footwear you should check the following points: All good footwear must have a ‘shank’ (hidden support under the arch) or arch support built into the shoe. You cannot see it but when selecting your footwear first bend the shoe in half, the sole should be flexible and if it bends in the middle then it will not have a shank. This sort of shoe will not support the arch of the foot and ultimately it will not help prevent the shock absorption shifting up the spine changing the walking pattern. As well footwear should have a firm heel counter to support the rear of the shoe. This is very important as it stabilizes the ankle joint that strikes the ground first when walking or running. This is important for all ages from 12 months and onward. Children that have gone bare foot over the summer will need school shoes checked. There are other important points to remember about shoe fitting - for instance, children who have been bare footed during the summer while their feet have been growing need school shoes checked for length and width. A few points to remember about shoes for the youngsters; * check the length and width of shoes * check to ensure adequate room in the toe box * check that the sole is flexible. It should bend at the point where the child’s foot bends when walking (i.e. the ball of the foot) Very importantly, all footwear that has laces should be tied firmly for maximum support. Not enough firmness in the lace area can cause weak medial ankle pronating which can also collapse the arch of the foot in later years. The use of natural materials in footwear allows the foot the breath but is always best to let the shoes air over night to allow perspiration to evaporate. Alternating shoes also a good option, this ensures the longevity of the shoes, and also airing them out reduces bacteria growth. Also check for the wear of the shoes some might need repairing to keep the correct alignment, like the tires on your car. Finally Stewart adds "It is worth taking the time to ensure your children and your own feet are cared for through supported footwear and lifestyle for it can certainly reduce problems in older age." He is a registered service provider and recognised by health funds for Medical Grade Footwear and Orthotic Therapy. Stewart can be contacted on Sydney 02 9913-3033 for further information or email customfoot@westnet.com.au Definition of a Pedorthist. “A Pedorthist is trained in the assessment, design, manufacture, fit and modification of foot appliances and footwear for the purposes of alleviating painful or debilitating conditions and providing assistance for abnormalities or limited actions of the lower limb.”
