By Stephanie Stephens, AARP Bunions are a major problem for millions of Americans. Gayle Lloyd’s right foot has been bump-free ever since October 2021, when the St. Leonard, Maryland, resident decided to have the protrusion removed with minimally invasive surgery. Like approximately one-third of American adults, Lloyd, 63, had a bunion — a painful, bony…
Does the shoe really fit – sensible shoe advise for young athletes In general, young athletes are wearing shoes that are too small. As a result of wearing too-small shoes, these kids may be at risk for developing significant foot deformations over time. The solution to the problem is relatively easy. Follow the instructions below,…
Back Pain accounts for 5 to 8 percent of reported youth sports injuries. If you thought only Grandma had back pain, you would be incorrect. Kids experience injuries to their backs, but, unlike Grandma, their low back pain is rarely from anything specific and usually goes away without any treatment. It is more likely that…
The secret bunion society (Source: Parents Magazine, Leslie Goldman) I didn’t schedule an appointment with a podiatrist until the pain in my right big toe had morphed into an excruciating jolt that shot through my foot with every step I took. Diagnosis: a bunion. Surgery involving a bone saw and screws was the only lasting…
The Mental Game – The most important X-factor in sports By Carol Frey M.D. A sound sports program will provide an environment where kids can develop physically and emotionally. And by emotionally, I mean the mental aspects of sport. It’s tricky. After passion, the mental game is probably the most important X factor. The young…
Orthotic devices for children – Do they really need them? Do children need orthotic devices? – That’s a question I get a lot from my patients. The simple answer is no. Most kids do not need orthotic devices, but there are exceptions. Orthotic devices are inserts for the shoes that usually replace the sock liner…
We all want fit feet, healthy feet. It makes our life a lot easier. And if you don’t exercise your feet on a regular basis, they will be less resistant to injury and won’t be as strong and flexible as they should be for every day activity. Whenever it’s safe, we recommend going barefoot. It’s…
Common Shoe Lacing Patterns by Carol Frey, M.D. Foot and Ankle specialist Chances are that you learned how to lace your shoes in kindergarten and haven’t thought about shoe laces since. Given all the differences and idiosyncrasies in feet, one lacing pattern for shoes couldn’t possibly fit the needs of everyone. In fact, certain lacing…
In July 2017 our own Dr. Carol Frey was interviewed for a story for “Parents” magazine on mothers often silently suffer from shoes that are too tight, don’t fit, make you wince. “The Secret Bunion Society” made a real splash. And since Dr. Frey is the director of foot and ankle surgery at West Coast…
By Dr. Carol Frey Does your young athlete really need a new pair of shoes for each sport? – The short answer is yes. Good shoes for young athletes are important. And the reason is that an appropriate shoe can prevent injuries. Plain and simple. If your child signs up for a specific sport, he…