Page 72 - May-June 2025 Life In Naples Magazing

health & fitness

Summer

Footwear

by Paula Allia, PT, DHSc, MTC, OCS
hen the foot hits the ground, Choosing the right footwear is extremely important for the
things change. The foot needs longevity of the feet. Many shoes that are made for activities are now
W to adapt to its surroundings. being made with support and comfort in mind. How the heel fits in
It is the lowest part of the kinetic chain of the shoe and the foot rolls through the arch with activities is extremely
the leg. Above is the knee and proximal to important.
that is the hip, pelvis, then the spine. Having In Florida, sandals are a big option chosen for both dress and
normal mobility and stability in each joint in casual wear. Some sandals now come with better support for the
conjunction with muscles having the ability to arches. However, in a sandal, the normal heel to toe gait does not get
work normally, the timing of muscle activity supported the same as in a shoe. The heel can move around and many
coordinates together to create the purposeful movements that we so times the toes grab the sandal to keep it in place. Consider the activities
desire. It sounds simple but in reality there is a lot that goes into every of the day before picking a sandal over a shoe.
step taken. These steps are just taken for granted. Most good sneaker brands now have various models to provide
Foot and ankle muscles coordinate to absorb shock and propel support to the arches of the foot. Some are made for the low arch
the body. The foot itself has a forefoot, mid foot, and hind foot. person while others are for higher arch support or a neutral foot. Out
When absorbing shock and moving, angles change. Weight bearing of 24 foot types, if you are lucky enough to fit into a shoe perfectly with
as a toddler begins to strengthen for this phase. The foot muscles the good support of the shoe, your feet can flourish through activity
develop along with other muscles all the way up the kinetic chain of with comfort. Normal heel to toe activity can be more effortless.
movement. Most good brands also have removable foot beds in them. This
It is important for children to play on all types of surfaces allows custom orthotics to be slipped into place. One MUST consider
to develop their muscles. Both uneven and even terrain help to which shoe to buy if the plan is to add a custom orthotic. These various
strengthen and support the joints to work efficiently. If a child is not sneakers/shoes are trying to supply some corrective support in them
provided the opportunity of all surfaces, development of the arch already. If adding the orthotic as well, one may get over corrected.
muscles may be affected. A child is meant to walk on grass, sand, Usually if custom orthotics are being added a sneaker, a neutral shoe
hills, and cool deck. They are also meant to climb and grab with their can be chosen. This way the support of the sneaker is there and the
feet. Hard surfaces do not require as much adaptation as with uneven personalized custom correction can be slipped into the shoe.
terrain so it all is necessary for well rounded development Pick the right shoes for you this summer. The choices
and strengthening. should be based on the activities that are planned during the
The arch is a big part of adaptation to both getting the foot on the day so that your feet can be comfortable all day long!
ground and for propulsion. There are a variety of arches in the feet.
Some have flat feet while others have a high arch. According to stride Enjoy the experience.
Orthotics, there are 24 foot types to be considered.
Footwear was designed for support. Over the years, some shoes
actually support the foot while others may look good but absolutely
do not provide what is needed when the foot is weight bearing.
Here’s To Your Health!

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