What we wear on our feet can say a lot about who we are. Shoes are often an exciting channel to express personality, but we can’t forget about why we wear them in the first place.
While footwear exists first and foremost to protect our feet, they can also have a significant effect on our balance and posture. Since posture improvement is such a large part of living with scoliosis, it’s important to select the best shoes for your body.
The footwear fashion popular on the runway or even among kids are very appealing, but don’t always have your best interest in mind. If you know what to watch out for you can look good and feel good at the same time.
Following, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best features to provide you support while staying trendy.
What to look for in a shoe:
Soles – A commonly overlooked source of back pain can be worn out shoe soles. Often times simply replacing old shoes can alleviate pain. It’s important to look for a shoe with a balanced sole so that you are landing neutrally on your foot when walking or running, creating a stable base for the rest of your body.
Arch support – Foot arch shapes are variable from person to person. They are generally categorized by height, assorted between flat, low, and high arches. Look for footwear with adequate arch support, avoiding very flat shoes. The stability provided by arch support helps prevent compression of the lower spine.
Toes – Our feet are naturally designed so that our toes span wider than our heels with an arch that supports the foot and the rest of the body. A wide and flexible toe box is beneficial to allow your toes to respond to surfaces in the way they were intended.
Laces – While shoe laces are crucial in adjusting a shoe to your unique foot, the way you tie them can also impact your body. Contrary to some shoe fads, it’s best to lace shoes completely and tightly to increase stability and decrease the load on your foot and by extension, your back.
When should you buy new shoes?
Shoe replacement,has a lot to do with the wearing of the soles. For athletic or everyday shoes, the general lifespan is about 500 miles or 3-6 months. The feet of kids and teens are often growing at astonishing rates, so size comfort should also be considered when looking for replacements. Their shoes should be replaced anywhere from one to four times per year.
No matter what shoes you wear, it’s important to know whether you’re getting the support you need to maintain your health. Talk to shoe store associates about what is available and best for you and your family. With millions of people in America living with scoliosis today, it’s certainly easy to find a shoe that fits your functional and fashion needs.
Ask me about:
For more information, contact us at South Florida Scoliosis Center 305-705-0777, or visit www.southfloridascoliosiscenter.com.
South Florida Scoliosis Center is the only CLEAR Scoliosis Treatment Center in the South Florida area in addition to being one in only 18 worldwide clinics to offer Intensive Care Scoliosis Treatment. South Florida Scoliosis Center draws patients from the entire state as well as from countries abroad.
Back to Schooliosis: How to Keep Your Child Safe with ScoliosisSeptember 7, 2016 - 11:57 pm
Dreaming of Gold doesn’t have to be a Scoliosis NightmareAugust 25, 2016 - 5:51 pm
Bracing and Surgery are No Longer Shailene Woodley’s Only OptionsJanuary 26, 2016 - 4:58 pm
This is How Scoliosis Affects ConfidenceJanuary 8, 2016 - 4:15 pm
A letter about Scoliosis from one concerned parent to another:
/in News, Success Stories /by adminI want to share my experience with my 10 year old daughter, so it may help other parents going through the process of Scoliosis.
My daughter was diagnosed with Scoliosis and we as a family where completely shocked. We didn’t know what scoliosis was and nor the severe complications that could arise in a person’s life if the right steps are not taken on time.
We immediately started searching for opinions locally in our country and each doctor we visited gave us a completely different opinion. Each one was making us more and more nervous. We arrived at a point that we really didn’t know what to do.
Searching on the web we found South Florida Scoliosis Center and after getting all the information we needed, we made a decision in less than two weeks to fly to Miami and take the Intensive Care treatment program. I have to admit that we had our doubts – since in our country the doctors told us “not to do anything related with chiropractics since there where no scientific studies that proved it worked in Scoliosis cases.”
Anyway, we left everything in God’s hands and decided to start the treatment.
Today I can say, thank God we made that decision!
On our daughter’s first Xray she had a curve of 43 degrees. And after 2 weeks of intensive treatment we got a reduction of 10 degrees and now she is at 33 degrees. We are in the process of the 90 days of at home exercises but even though we haven’t received further xrays (we will get then after the 90 days home treatment), I can see she keeps improving.
So far we are very happy with the results and I look forward to writing a final review after the 90 days outcome.
About our experience at the Clinic I can say that we are more than pleased with the staff attendance, they are just GREAT, extremely kind, very professionals and always willing to help you or inform you of any doubt or concern you could have.
Dr. Greaux is just amazingly professional and makes you feel very comfortable during the whole process and is always available even with the at home follow up, and most importantly, he explains anything you need to know to understand that scoliosis is a condition that can really be treated without surgery.
I want to thank you all once again for your kind attention and if you have any parent that needs to get feedback from the treatment, I will be more than happy to help her.
Best regards!
JM
* To protect the privacy of our patients the images used in this post are not actual pictures of our patient but a representation of the same.
Ask me about:
Intensive Care Scoliosis Treatment
“Teen Curves” Summer Camp
Scoliosis Bootcamp
Adult Scoliosis Treatment
For more information, contact us at South Florida Scoliosis Center 305-705-0777, or visit www.southfloridascoliosiscenter.com.
South Florida Scoliosis Center is the only CLEAR Scoliosis Treatment Center in the South Florida area in addition to being one in only 18 worldwide clinics to offer Intensive Care Scoliosis Treatment. South Florida Scoliosis Center draws patients from the entire state as well as from countries abroad.
HOP TO IT! It’s time to stop waiting…
/in News, Uncategorized /by adminEvery year 15% of all grade school kids screened for scoliosis result in a positive diagnosis and yet many physicians still suggest three basic methods of treatment: observation, bracing, and/or surgery – based on the severity of the curve. However, new research now shows that alternative non-invasive options are more effective in the treatment of scoliosis.
At South Florida Scoliosis Center our work and successes have proven that treating Mild Scoliosis curves- those between 10° to 25 can significantly reduce and many times halt the progression of scoliosis. Using a CLEAR™ certified approach our physicians are able to assist our patients, young and old, in actively reducing the curvature of the spine without invasive surgical procedures and unsightly braces. Our unique non-bracing, non-surgical plan has proven time and again an effective advance in the treatment of scoliosis. We offer customized plans to fit our clients including: Scoliosis and Adult Scoliosis Treatment plans, Teen Curves Summer Camp, Scoliosis Boot Camp and Intensive Care Treatment – South Florida Scoliosis Center is one of only 16 certified CLEAR Intensive Scoliosis Care Clinics in the world.
So don’t you think it’s time to stop waiting?
Hop to it and give us a call – let us take care of those curves while they’re small!
305-705-0777
Facts About Mild Stage Scoliosis:
Scoliosis curve 10° to 25° – Mild Scoliosis has a significant risk of progression: up to 22%. Once the scoliosis passes 20°, risk of progression more than triples to 68%.
To purchase one of our Scoliosis Awareness Tshirts for $10 click here.
SOLE SURFING- What you wear on your feet can have an impact on your scoliosis
/in News /by adminWhile footwear exists first and foremost to protect our feet, they can also have a significant effect on our balance and posture. Since posture improvement is such a large part of living with scoliosis, it’s important to select the best shoes for your body.
The footwear fashion popular on the runway or even among kids are very appealing, but don’t always have your best interest in mind. If you know what to watch out for you can look good and feel good at the same time.
Following, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best features to provide you support while staying trendy.
What to look for in a shoe:
Soles – A commonly overlooked source of back pain can be worn out shoe soles. Often times simply replacing old shoes can alleviate pain. It’s important to look for a shoe with a balanced sole so that you are landing neutrally on your foot when walking or running, creating a stable base for the rest of your body.
Arch support – Foot arch shapes are variable from person to person. They are generally categorized by height, assorted between flat, low, and high arches. Look for footwear with adequate arch support, avoiding very flat shoes. The stability provided by arch support helps prevent compression of the lower spine.
Toes – Our feet are naturally designed so that our toes span wider than our heels with an arch that supports the foot and the rest of the body. A wide and flexible toe box is beneficial to allow your toes to respond to surfaces in the way they were intended.
Laces – While shoe laces are crucial in adjusting a shoe to your unique foot, the way you tie them can also impact your body. Contrary to some shoe fads, it’s best to lace shoes completely and tightly to increase stability and decrease the load on your foot and by extension, your back.
When should you buy new shoes?
Shoe replacement,has a lot to do with the wearing of the soles. For athletic or everyday shoes, the general lifespan is about 500 miles or 3-6 months. The feet of kids and teens are often growing at astonishing rates, so size comfort should also be considered when looking for replacements. Their shoes should be replaced anywhere from one to four times per year.
No matter what shoes you wear, it’s important to know whether you’re getting the support you need to maintain your health. Talk to shoe store associates about what is available and best for you and your family. With millions of people in America living with scoliosis today, it’s certainly easy to find a shoe that fits your functional and fashion needs.
Ask me about:
Intensive Care Scoliosis Treatment
“Teen Curves” Summer Camp
Scoliosis Bootcamp
Adult Scoliosis Treatment
For more information, contact us at South Florida Scoliosis Center 305-705-0777, or visit www.southfloridascoliosiscenter.com.
South Florida Scoliosis Center is the only CLEAR Scoliosis Treatment Center in the South Florida area in addition to being one in only 18 worldwide clinics to offer Intensive Care Scoliosis Treatment. South Florida Scoliosis Center draws patients from the entire state as well as from countries abroad.
When the honeymoon is over does your child’s backpack stand up to the challenge?
/in News /by adminAhhhhh… the new school year is now in full gear – new school shoes have been broken in, uniforms have endured their first stains, and everyday more and more it seems the shiny new back pack begins to suffer the effects of whopping homework overload!
Why should I be concerned?
Did you know (as per the American Physical Therapy Association) your child’s backpack should never exceed 10-15% of his or her body weight? For the average 10 year-old child it’s the equivalent of 10 lbs!
These days it is not uncommon for the average child to carry 22-27% of their bodyweight in their backpack – an excess of 12-15% over the recommended guidelines.
This extra weight creates unnecessary strain on a child’s spine, can lead to serious health issues down the line and, in the case of children with scoliosis – can worsen a childs’ scoliosis curve.
How does this happen?
A heavy backpack can pull a child backwards making him or her overcompensate by bending forward or arching their backs, in turn compressing the spine. If your child likes to wear his or her backpack in the “over one shoulder sling” your child may tend to lean far to the one side to offset the weight of the heavy backpack. Repeated use overtime leads to poor posture, muscle strain and pain in the back, neck and shoulder areas.
Additionally, backpacks with tight narrow straps that dig into the skin can block circulation and nerve function, resulting in tingling, numbness and weakness in your child’s arms and hands.
What should I look for?
Check your child’s backpack for the following safety elements:
What else can I do?
Always encourage your child to tell you about any discomfort concerning his backpack and pay attention to any symptoms he or she may be experiencing.
Think Scoliosis Doesn’t Affect You? Think Again…
/in News /by adminJune is National Scoliosis Awareness Month
National Scoliosis Awareness Month endeavors to highlight the growing need for education and early detection of scoliosis by uniting patients, families, physicians, and related businesses in collaborative events throughout the month of June.
The Scoliosis Research Society has sent requests to all US governors asking them to proclaim June as National Scoliosis Awareness Month.
Click here to see if your state has proclaimed June as National Scoliosis Awareness Month.
We invite all scoliosis patients, family members and advocates to send their own letters of support.
Click here for the National Scoliosis Awareness Month Support Letter
Click here to find your governor – National Governors Association (NGA)
Click here for free Scoliosis Screening!
Text Neck! Does Your Teen Have it?
/in News /by adminThe following patient is seen pre and post-treatment after one month of care.
Her original curve was 100% loss from normal and is currently at 29% loss after one month.
That’s a 71% improvement/correction.
Her chief complaint: Fatigue and Headaches.
Why should I care?
Loss of the cervical curve has been shown to be the common factor in not only pain and degenerative changes such as arthritis and disc herniation but also as a direct effect on the spinal cord and nervous system.
This particular finding has become popular now due to our continuous use of modern technology- including: uncomfortable office work stations, texting, or other uses of tablets and or smartphones that require constantly looking down, and sleeping with more than one pillow behind your head.
Common symptoms include:
The lack of the cervical spine curvature causes tension on the spinal cord and carotid arteries as they ascend into the brain to feed it oxygen and nutrients. This can cause dizziness, headaches, nausea, fatigue, tinnitus, pain, nervousness, insomnia, high blood pressure, and confusion.
The shocking part is we are finding this in young kids now due to technology. Doctors have even called this text neck!
Ask me about:
Intensive Care Scoliosis Treatment
“Teen Curves” Summer Camp
Scoliosis Bootcamp
Adult Scoliosis Treatment
For more information, contact us at South Florida Scoliosis Center 305-705-0777, or visit www.southfloridascoliosiscenter.com.
South Florida Scoliosis Center is the only CLEAR Scoliosis Treatment Center in the South Florida area in addition to being one in only 18 worldwide clinics to offer Intensive Care Scoliosis Treatment.
South Florida Scoliosis Center draws patients from the entire state as well as from countries abroad.
Raising an Olympic Athlete with Scoliosis…
/in News /by adminUsain Bolt – Jamaican three-time Olympic gold medalist sprinter, Olympic record holder reigning Olympic champion in the 100 and 200 metres and the 4×100 metres relay
Alexandra Marinescu Romanian Olympic gymnast and European Junior Champion at age 12
Jon Olsen United States freestyle swimmer and five time Olympic medalist
Jennifer Thompson United States swimmer, and one of the most decorated Olympians in history, 12 time Olympic medalist, including eight gold in the 1992, 1996, 2000, and 2004 Summer Olympics
Despite enduring multiple hardships such as bracing and even surgery Scoliosis did not stop these athletes’ Olympic dreams from becoming a reality.
What is Scoliosis? Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine, the most common type being idiopathic scoliosis most often diagnosed in children ages 10 to 12 and in their early teens.
Although many of us may not ever be in the position to worry about raising an Olympic hopeful, Scoliosis does affect close to 12 million people worldwide with 5 – 7 million in the U.S. alone. The good news is – advancements in the field have discovered considerably better options for the treatment of scoliosis. Non-invasive, non-surgical and non-bracing alternatives. No longer is there a need to wear bulky braces that cause embarassment or self-consciousness. Nor of having surgical procedures that will fuse permanent rods along the spine causing multiple complications throughout adulthood. Our Clear certified treatment is effective and completely non-invasive.
As of July of 2013, South Florida Scoliosis Center has become one of 18 clinics worldwide to be able to provide Intensive Care Treatment for Scoliosis. Generally a one to two week program of intensive therapy designed to reduced the curvature of a scoliotic spine. Our Intensive Care Patients have come from far away countries such as Canada, Denmark, Israel, Anguilla, Curacao, Columbia and Brazil to enjoy the benefits of our intensive care treatment. Now if Usain Bolt had had that option- imagine the possibilities…
In case you’re wondering if your Olympic dreams will become a reality:
Ask me about:
Intensive Care Scoliosis Treatment
“Teen Curves” Summer Camp
Scoliosis Bootcamp
Adult Scoliosis Treatment
For more information, contact us at South Florida Scoliosis Center 305-705-0777, or visit www.southfloridascoliosiscenter.com.
South Florida Scoliosis Center is the only CLEAR Scoliosis Treatment Center in the South Florida area in addition to being one in only 18 worldwide clinics to offer Intensive Care Scoliosis Treatment.
South Florida Scoliosis Center draws patients from the entire state as well as from countries abroad.
Don’t Let Their New Backpack Aggravate The Scoliosis!
/in News /by adminAs per the American Physical Therapy Association your child’s backpack should never exceed 10-15% of his or her body weight? In an average 12 year old child that is 10 lbs worth and that includes the backpack itself.
Unfortunately due to heavy homework loads and nearly non-existent lockers, the average child carries 22-27% of their body weight in their backpack.
This extra weight creates unnecessary strain on a child’s spine aggravating an already scoliotic spine. A heavy back pack can pull a child backwards making him or her overcompensate by bending forward or arching their backs, in turn further compressing the spine.
If your child prefers the “over one shoulder sling” he or she may lean far to the one side to offset the weight of the heavy backpack. Overtime, repeated use will lead to increased strain on their posture, muscle strain and pain in the back neck and shoulder areas.
The following are signs that indicate your child’s backpack is too heavy:
Before you shop these guidelines can lead you to a better backpack option for your child:
Now you’re ready to send your child safely off to school! Always encourage your child to tell you about any discomfort concerning his backpack and pay attention to any symptoms he or she may be experiencing.
Remember- A heavy backpack does not cause Scoliosis but may disguise a spinal curve in it’s initial stages. Scoliosis first shows up between the ages of 9-15 so make sure your child is screened on a regular basis.
For more information, contact us at South Florida Scoliosis Center 305-705-0777, or visit www.southfloridascoliosiscenter.com.
South Florida Scoliosis Center is the only CLEAR Scoliosis Treatment Center in the South Florida area in addition to being one in only 18 worldwide clinics to offer Intensive Care Scoliosis Treatment.
South Florida Scoliosis Center draws patients from the entire state as well as from countries abroad.