Finding the Right Shoes for Arthritic Feet
Posted by Apex Foot Health on 7th Sep 2023
Shoe shopping is challenging enough under normal circumstances. You have to find a style you like in the size and color you need, and somehow you have to figure out how to get a pair that fits your feet that are a half size different from each other. But when you have arthritis, this shopping process becomes even more challenging.
Finding the best shoes for arthritic feet is important for keeping you as healthy and mobile as possible. Read on to learn why arthritis shoes are important and what to look for in a pair of shoes.
What Is Arthritis?
Before we get into how to pick the best shoes for arthritic feet, let’s discuss what arthritis is for a moment. Arthritis is a degenerative disease that wears away the cartilage padding between your joints. It can affect nearly every joint in the body, including knees, hips, hands, and, of course, feet.
As that cartilage wears away, the joint becomes inflamed and painful as bones rub together and begin to break down. There are hundreds of types of arthritis, but two of the most common are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Another form of arthritis that often affects the feet is gout, a condition where uric acid crystallizes and deposits in the joints.
How the Right Shoes Can Help
Having the right shoes can help ease some of the symptoms of arthritis in the feet. One of the common side effects of osteoarthritis is bone spurs at the base of the big toe and bunions. Wider shoes can help relieve pressure on these areas and reduce pain.
Rheumatoid arthritis causes the joints in the feet to swell up and can cause the bones in the ball of the foot to push against the skin. This can cause calluses and ulcerations which can be very painful and may even require surgery. But the right arthritis shoes can move pressure from the ball of the foot to the middle, reducing the impact of those calluses and ulcerations.
What to Look for in a Pair of Shoes
In general, when you’re choosing shoes for arthritic feet, you want to go for lower heels. Heels higher than two inches or so put a lot of pressure on the ball of your foot and can pinch your toes. You want to look for a lower heel available in wide sizes with roomier toe boxes and rocker soles.
Flip flops aren’t a good idea for people with arthritic feet, as they don’t provide much stability, but sandals with good, sturdy straps can work. In general, though, the best thing for your feet is going to be a good, supportive pair of tennis shoes or flats. Apex offers stylish, supportive footwear that is lightweight, flexible, durable, and gives you more stability.
Find the Best Shoes for Arthritic Feet
Finding the best shoes for arthritic feet can make a huge difference in your daily quality of life. It can reduce your pain, increase your mobility, and even help you avoid surgery. And with the right shoes, you can still look stylish while getting the comfort and support you need.
If you’d like to find the best shoes for arthritic feet, check out our guide to our best shoes for arthritis based on customer reviews and feedback. We have men’s and women’s shoes to help you keep your feet in their best shape. Shop our most popular styles and find the perfect pair for you today.