Choosing the right athletic shoe is essential for staying active and healthy. However, the abundance of options can make the choice overwhelming. That's where we step in—to break down everything you need to know about picking the perfect athletic shoe to keep you feeling great and moving strong.
Before going shoe shopping, let's discuss your feet. Everyone's feet are unique, with unique shapes and ways of moving. Understanding how your feet work can help you find the best shoe.
What to Look for in a Shoe:
Arch Support
Your arches are the curves on the bottom of your feet. Some people have higher arches, while others have flatter ones. Shoes with good arch support help keep your feet comfortable and balanced, whether you have high arches or flat feet.
Cushioning
Cushioning is the soft padding inside your shoes. It helps absorb the impact when you walk or run, protecting your feet and joints from pain and injury. Look for shoes with enough cushioning to keep you comfortable during your preferred activities.
Stability
If your feet tend to roll inward or outward often when you walk or run, you need shoes that keep them steady. Shoes with stability features help prevent rolling, keeping your feet in a more natural position as you move.
Flexibility
Your shoes should bend easily where your toes meet the rest of your foot. This allows your feet to move naturally while still getting support from the shoe. Make sure your shoes are flexible enough for you to move comfortably.
Size and Fit
Ensure your shoes fit well and leave a little room for your toes to move. They shouldn't feel too tight or too loose. Try on different sizes and styles to find the ones that feel best on your feet.
Your feet are crucial, and having the right shoes can make a big difference in how they feel. Check out this infographic, or give us a call for further advice! Lace-up those shoes and get ready to step into a healthier, happier you!
Back Pain is More Common in Adolescents with Scoliosis
Prevalence of scoliosis, which is a mild curvature of the spinal column, is not uncommon, affecting up to 3% of youth. The progression of scoliosis into severe curvature is extremely rare, but often leaves patients and parents wondering what the impact of scoliosis will have on them or their child. A new study looking at the prevalence of back pain in adolescents (10-17 years old) with scoliosis found that nearly half (48%) of patients diagnosed will have back pain which is significantly higher than a similar population without scoliosis. Pain was most notably associated with a higher body weight as well.
This is consistent with what we see in our office. Although mild scoliosis is unlikely to progress into a serious problem, it does make for more frequent episodes of minor back pain and injury. Most episodes respond very well to chiropractic care and would benefit from additional stability exercises designed to reduce the added torque applied to the spine by the scoliotic curvature.
Sarkovich S, Leonardi C, Darlow M, Martin D, Issa P, Soria T, Bronstone A, Clement C. Back pain in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: frequency and risk factors. Spine Deform. 2024 Jun 23
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