Arthritis is a common condition that affects millions of people all over the world. It can cause pain, stiffness, and inflammation, making it difficult to move around. According to the Arthritis Foundation, over 54 million Americans have been diagnosed with some form of arthritis. That’s why it’s so important to take care of your feet. There are a group of diseases that qualify as arthritis and they all affect the joints. Among over 100 different types of arthritis, the most common are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. It is caused by the breakdown of cartilage, the tissue that cushions the ends of bones. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease, which means that the body's immune system attacks its own tissues. In the case of rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system attacks the lining of the joints.
People of all ages can be affected by arthritis, but it is more common in older adults. Unfortunately, there is no cure for arthritis, but there are treatments that can help to relieve pain and improve function. Treatment may include medications, physical therapy, proper footwear, and surgery.
If you suffer from arthritis, it is important to see your doctor to get a diagnosis and discuss treatment options. With proper treatment, you can manage arthritis and live a full and active life. One way to manage arthritis pain is to wear the right shoes. At Boger's Shoes, we treat patients dealing with a wide variety of arthritis pain and know the right shoes can make a difference. Here are 6 reasons you need proper footwear when dealing with arthritis pain.
1. Proper support
As previously noted, arthritis can cause pain, stiffness, and inflammation in the joints. This includes the joints in your feet. This pain can make it difficult to walk and move around. It can also cause the joints in the feet to become weak and unstable. Shoes that provide the proper support can help to reduce pain and improve mobility. Good support should include a firm heel counter and arch support. They should also have a wide toe box for proper toe movement. When your toes are cramped it can cause added arthritis pain. A wide toe box will give your toes plenty of room to move around and help them feel supported.
2. Cushioning
Arthritis can also cause pain and inflammation in the soft tissues of your feet, such as the tendons and ligaments. Wearing shoes with good cushioning can help to reduce pain and protect these soft tissues. Cushioning in shoes matters because it helps to absorb the shock and protect your joints from damage. While you walk or run, your feet and ankles take a significant amount of impact. To absorb that impact, cushioning is added to shoes and helps to distribute the impact evenly throughout your body. This can help to prevent pain and injuries in your joints. Shoes with good cushioning should have a thick, supportive midsole. They should also have a soft, flexible outsole.
3. Flexibility
Arthritis can also cause stiffness in the joints, which can make it difficult to bend and move the feet. Flexibility in your footwear matters because it allows your feet to move naturally. The benefit of your feet being able to move naturally is that it helps to improve your balance, coordination, and range of motion. It can also help to reduce pain and fatigue in your feet and legs.
Flexible shoes should of course have a soft, flexible sole. A pliable sole will mean the shoe is flexible enough to bend when you walk or run. For the upper, consider footwear made from a material that is flexible, such as mesh or leather. A wide toe box is also helpful with the stretch of the shoe because it allows your toes to splay naturally.
If you need a good example of a flexible shoe, you may want to consider shoes that are made for walking or running. These shoes are typically designed with flexibility in mind.
4. Traction
In addition, Arthritis can cause balance problems. Your joints may be stiff and painful, which can make it difficult to maintain your balance. Since arthritis normally affects older adults, balance can sometimes already be an issue. So it’s imperative to wear shoes with good traction to help improve balance and prevent falls. When someone of any age slips and falls, it can put a lot of stress on their joints. For someone with arthritis, this stress can make your condition worse and lead to further pain and inflammation.
The most important thing for footwear with good traction to have is a non-slip outsole. Non-slip outsoles reduce slips, trips, and accidental falls. They have added treads to keep you stable on your feet while walking. You’ll also want to choose shoes with a firm heel counter. Consider wearing orthotics. Orthotics can help to improve your balance and support your arches, which can help to reduce the risk of falls.
5. Fit
It is important to find shoes that fit properly. Shoes that are too tight can increase arthritis pain which makes it difficult to walk. Tight footwear can cause problems, such as blisters and calluses. Shoes that are too loose can provide inadequate support as well. It is important to have your feet measured by a professional to ensure you get the right size. At Boger’s Shoes, we will size your shoes to ensure proper fit.
6. Price
So we’ve mentioned how for those with arthritis it is important to find shoes that provide proper support, cushioning, flexibility, and traction. By wearing the right shoes, you can help to reduce pain, improve mobility, and maintain your independence. This means shoes without these features are going to cause added stress to your feet. If you’re not diligent when purchasing shoes for arthritis, you’ll find yourself constantly buying new shoes to find ones that work.
While a pair of shoes for arthritis are more pricey, they are worth the investment in the long run. As with any quality shoe, they are created to combat a problem and do it right the first time. You’ll almost always end up spending less money when you purchase a quality shoe initially.
Shoes Great for Arthritis Pain
New Balance 1540v3 Men & Women $160
Features
ENCAP midsole - the core of soft cushioning of EVA in the midsole with a tough polyurethane rim for more support and durability.
Rollbar system - prevents your foot from rolling inward or outward allowing you to walk freely.
Gravity Defyer Mighty Walk Men & Women $145
Features
VersoShock® patented technology is clinically shown to relieve pain in the ankles, knees, feet, and back by up to 92%*.
Roomy Toe Box has extra room for comfort and better blood circulation.
Front Rolling Design is designed to reduce foot stress by isolating 28 bones, 30 joints, and over 100 muscles from harm.
Removable Insoles to accommodate custom orthotic support
Durable Breathable Mesh provides proper ventilation & flexibility.
Free Podiatrist-Grade Corrective Fit Orthotics included– $50 Value. *Orthotics can help with plantar fasciitis and provide full-body alignment and perfect biomechanics to help with pain relief
Xelero Steadfast Men & Women $220
Features
Multi-Density PU Foam Footbed: The unique open-cell structure creates a moisture management system, helping to move moisture away from the foot to provide a cooler, drier, healthier shoe environment.
X2 TechnologyTM Dynamic Metatarsal Roll Bar: Designed to reduce fore-foot movement and pressure, it consists of a molded plate placed between the Outsole and Midsole. The Dynamic Metatarsal Roll Bar provides excellent torsional support under the foot.
Final Thoughts
There are countless reasons why you need the right shoe for arthritis pain. The correct footwear can help to reduce pain, improve mobility, and protect your joints from further damage. When choosing a shoe, remembering the reasons to choose the right shoe is important. The shoes should provide good support for the arches and heels of the feet. They should have good cushioning to absorb shock and protect the joints. Make sure they are flexible enough to allow for natural movement of the feet. Look for traction on the outsole to prevent slips and falls. Lastly, make sure the shoes fit snugly but not too tightly.
Stop in today, and we’ll help you find the right shoes for your needs and ensure they fit appropriately. By choosing the right shoes, you can help to reduce your arthritis pain and improve your quality of life.
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