Shoe Styles Can Impact Knee Osteoarthritis

If you have knee osteoarthritis, the shoes you wear may significantly affect your condition. According to research presented at the 2007 American College of Rheumatology Annual Scientific Meeting, patients with a lot of stress on part or all of the knee are at increased risk of injury and worsening knee osteoarthritis. The effects of various types of footwear was studied on 13 women and 3 men with osteoarthritis of the knee. Each of the study participants were evaluated for the way they walked while barefoot and while wearing clogs, a shoe designed to limit foot movement (stability shoes), a walking shoe designed to allow foot movement, and flip-flops.

Researchers concluded that clogs and stability shoes were associated with significantly higher stress on the knee (called knee loading) than walking shoes and flip-flops, which were associated with lower knee loading similar to that of walking barefoot. In other words, in terms of knee loading, which plays a role in the progression of knee osteoarthritis -- shoes that are flat, flexible, and allow natural foot motion are best.

Related Resources:

• Shoes at About.com
• Knee Osteoarthritis Overview
• Proper Body Mechanics Important for People with Arthritis
• Walking Barefoot or Shoes - Which May Negatively Impact Knee Osteoarthritis?

Share Your Advice and Experiences:

• Join Us in Our Osteoarthritis Message Board / Forum

_{Photo by Kinsey (stock.xchng)}