Arthritis is a disease that has painful effects on the joints of a patient's feet, especially during movement. Testimonies based on Amazon user reviews and expert advice reveal that wearing the right type of shoes designed to re-distribute pressure in the patient's feet go a long way to make arthritis bearable.
Health Line goes beyond explaining why the right shoes matter: it shows how investing in the right shoes for arthritis is one of the most practical treatment options with surprisingly fast results.
Important Considerations When Choosing the Right Footwear for Arthritis
It may take a bit of trial-and-error to find the perfect shoe for arthritis. However, in the end, it will make all the difference in managing the pain and the problems it causes. Comfort should be the main consideration when selecting the right footwear.
To begin with, rule out high-heeled shoes that exert pressure on the toes. These are the kinds of shoes that cause hammertoes and bunions.
Secondly, avoid boots and any shoes with heavy soles. If the patient with arthritis wears heavy shoes, flexibility is important and this requires keeping the shoe weight as low as possible.
Related: Exercise for Rheumatoid Arthritis | Top Exercises & The Benefits of Fitness for Arthritis
Are Flat Shoes Good for Arthritis Pain Management
Patients with arthritis are also advised to avoid tight flats for the simple reason that they are unhealthy for the feet. They do not help in reducing the pain either. There is no harm, however, in wearing comfortable flexible flats with solid foot support for a short period of time.
Health experts recommend that a patient gets his or her feet measured to determine the right minimum shoe measurements. This is because the foot naturally grows wider over the years, especially because arthritis has noticeable shaping effects over time.
Insoles, Fastenings, and Circulation
The question of whether the right footwear for arthritis should have insoles has been a long-running debate. Insoles are good primarily because they help support the arch of the foot.
A patient experiencing arthritis pain in the joint on the middle of the foot including the mid-tarsal joint may find rigid insoles helpful in relieving pain.
Shoes with insoles must also necessitate free circulation of air on the surface of the foot. This not only helps reduce pain but also prevents dampness and fungal infections. Shoes made of synthetic material inner linings are more breathable and light in weight.
It is understandable that the society expects everyone to wear lace-up shoes on almost every occasion. Shoe fasteners are designed to be elastic for a snug pull, but it is a common habit to fasten the laces a little too tight.
The most recommended shoes for arthritis pain management are those with 3 to 4 pairs of lace holes, zip fasteners, or no fastenings.
Related: Is Turmeric Good for Arthritis? | The Amazing Benefits of Turmeric
How to Find the Right Shoes for Arthritis
Knowing which is the right shoe to look for is one thing; actually trying on and selecting the most comfortable from the many distracting offerings is another.
Make it a habit to shop for footwear on an afternoon if you are a patient looking to judge different shoe types based on how they feel. The right shoe is one that is made for a slightly larger foot by at least a centimeter (3/8 inch).
A simple trick to use is to try the shoes on heavier types of socks or stockings or larger insoles when fitting them.
Are you an arthritis patient or looking to surprise a loved one suffering from the condition with a shoe that will make their day-to-day movements less painful?
Find out what other patients have to say about the importance of choosing the right shoes for arthritis.
