Sneakers, loafers, clogs, pumps, work boots, sandals, casual, official; you have to admit that the options can be overwhelming when it comes to shoe shopping. Sadly, most people do not realize that what they strap on their feet has a direct effect on their joints and ligaments. If your shoe choices have been based on all the wrong selling points, then it’s no doubt that your creaky, achy knees have a lot to say about this. See, as you grow up and age, your feet (obviously) tend to do the same. Unlike the intrinsic, complexities of rocket science, it’s all really quite simple. As we age, skin and muscle eventually lose their integrity, flexibility decreases, foot muscles weaken, and joints start creaking.
Your legs are like a well-oiled machine or vehicle; the kind of tires you use will affect the shock absorbers and the entire chassis in general. According to MD Director of Orthopedic Surgery NYU, the kind of shoes you wear have an impact on the load your knees have to bear. This is why you need to look for shoes that not only protect every aspect of your transportation system, but also prevent further aggravation to already abused joints. If the right steps are not taken, people with issues such as Osteoarthritis, Plantar Fascitis, Arthritis and numerous foot problems are even more likely to develop knee pain later in life. Fortunately, big brands like New Balance, ASICS, and Saucony have spearheaded the development of shoes designed for the ultimate pain relief. Thanks to some of their ingenious designs, knee pains caused by overpronation, supination or flat feet are a thing of the past. Today, we’re all about the features that you should look out for when buying shoes for knee pain and some remedies that can offer relief to your bad knees.
Top 3 Features of Best Shoes for Bad Knees
Well Cushioned, Shock Absorbent Footwear
Reducing knee pain starts with ensuring you do not place any unnecessary strain on your achy joints. While people often separate these two aspects, both exist to serve the same purpose. By combining a well-cushioned insole with a highly efficient, shock absorbing outsole, you help reduce the shock of your foot hitting the ground. This directly translates to much less shock on your knees and less aggravation.
Firm Outsole
This is especially useful to people with overpronation and bad knees as well. Since this condition often makes people take their steps with a slight rotation of the knees and feet, a firm outsole will ensure your gait stays in place with each step. If your sole is overly flexible, the inward rotation can cause severe strain to the knee and aggravate it further. Check to see if your shoes have wear and tear on the inner side and the hell tilts inward. This is a sign of overpronation and should be corrected as soon as possible.
Arch Support
No matter what kind of foot issue you have, the arches are always the most likely culprit. Be it overpronation, plantar fasciitis, supination or osteoarthritis, the arches have something to do with it. This is why you need to identify the problem as soon as it starts and look for a way to remedy it. For all the above issues, nothing works better than combining the above measures with reliable and appropriate arch support. Your arch structure is very important; which takes us to our next segment.
Click Here for Some of the Most Comfortable and Best Cushioned Walking Shoes
Additional Remedies That Can Help Alleviate Knee Pain
Orthotic Insoles
If your fancy, favorite pair of shoes starts causing even the slightest discomfort, nothing beats the convenience and effectiveness of orthotic inserts. By providing additional support to your feet, correcting your gait and appropriately redistributing your weight, orthotic insoles can significantly reduce pain and stress to your knees and feet.
Avoid Heels and Pumps
While stylish, the inclusion of a very high heel in both men and women’s shoes could interfere with the normal operation of your legs. Studies have actually shown that overly high heels exert so much force and pressure on your knee caps that it can lead to substantial knee trauma and severe pain. If you absolutely have to wear heels, ensure you do so moderately if at all. Women are especially prone to knee and back pains later in life due to regular use of stilettos. Why not give your knees a break and look for a shoe that will actually help improve your health?
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