Table of Contents: Ankle Sprain Arthritis Athlete's Foot Bunions * Common Problems Corns And Calluses * Diabetic Foot Care Diabetic Wound Care Flat Feet Foot and Ankle Injuries Footwear Fungal Nails Hammertoes * Heel Pain * Ingrown Toe Nails * Neuromas * Orthotics/ Biomechanics * Pediatrics Plantar Warts * Rearfoot Surgery Surgery and Anesthesia Sports Medicine: Athletic Shoe Fitting Children and Sports Contact Sports Running Self Assessment Quiz Walking   * Animation Provided

Athletic Shoe Fitting - Advice for Patients

1. Buy shoes for the specific sport in which you intend to use them.
2. Shop at a reputable store with knowledgeable staff.
3. Bring socks that you plan to wear with the new athletic shoes.
4. Bring your orthotics or other inserts with you to try on with the shoes.
5. Allow approximately 1 finger's width (or about 3/8 inch) at the front of the shoe in front of the longest toe.
6. Make certain that the shoe flexes only where your toes bend, which should also be the widest part of the shoe.
7. Check the inside and outside of the shoe for defects. The shoes should sit level when checked on a flat surface.
8. Check your shoes often for excessive wear, such as (a) the outsole worn to midsole, (b) the heel counter tilted in varus or valgus, (c) the forefoot upper shifted medially or laterally, or (d) persistent injuries. Replace shoes every 350 to 500 miles, even in the absence of notable wear.
9. For a listing of shoes that have been evaluated, visit the Web site of the American Academy or Podiatric Sports Medicine at www.aapsm.org. For a list of shoes carrying the APMA Seal, see www.apma.org