Wear and tear on feet

IF THE shoe fits (comfortably) – wear it.
The motto is reinforced by a new Paediatric Footwear Program launched by Cardinia Casey Community Health Services, Southern Health Greater Dandenong and Bata School Shoes.
The program aims to get children to wear the correctly fitted shoe and avoid irreparable damage to the feet.
Southern Health podiatrist Alicia James said the program would provide discounted correctly fitting footwear to eligible paediatric patients of the community health services.
“Following recent footwear assessments in local schools an incidence of inappropriate footwear was noted,” Ms James said.
“Children wearing footwear two to three sizes too big were reported by teachers to be causing falls during class and recess.”
Ms James said all of the shoes provided for the Paediatric Footwear Program are technically designed to ensure comfort and correct fitting.
“Bata Footwear have been incredibly generous in offering their product at a reduced cost for our clients,” she said.
A podiatrist or allied health assistant will fit the child for the correct style and size to ensure support and comfort. Correctly fitted shoes help reduce the risk of injury, improve comfort and assist in gross motor development.