Given that there are many different types of arthritis, not to mention a great deal of variation in what arthritis symptoms manifest in individual arthritic patients, it would be impossible for HealthyFeetStore.com to create a page of arthritis shoes that would work for every single man and woman suffering with arthritic feet. What we have done is to create collections of arthiritis shoes for men and women that will accommodate the most common arthritis symptoms.
Arthritis Shoes for Women and Men
Arthritis Shoes for Women
As you shop for the right arthritis shoe to relieve arthritis discomfort in your feet or knees, we recommend you read the list of features of the arthritic feet shoes that interest you and think about whether each shoe would make a good match for your unique symptoms. Arthritis care products such as insoles, topical pain relief products, foot pads and foot warmers are also available on the arthritis relief products page.
Some common arthritis symptoms have their own pages including edema (foot swelling), deformed toes, cold feet, ankle pain, and arch pain. Keep these symptoms in mind when making your choice. We recommend consulting a podiatrist if possible before selecting a shoe. They will be able to provide insight into which shoes will work best for you.
Some common arthritis symptoms have their own pages including edema (foot swelling), deformed toes, cold feet, ankle pain, and arch pain.
Shoes to Relieve Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain
Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic, autoimmune disease that attacks the body's joints. 90 percent of people who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis will eventually develop arthritic symptoms related to the foot or ankle. People who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis in the feet are more likely to experience foot deformities, edema (severe swelling), severe stiffness, metatarsalgia (ball of foot pain), and painful flat feet.
As the disease progresses rheumatoid arthritis sufferers are likely to be prescribed custom orthotics. A good rheumatoid arthritis shoe would be an extra depth shoe with removable insoles. Since rheumatoid arthritis is frequently present in the hands as well as the feet an adjustable strap shoe may be preferred to a lace-up style. Another option is to fit a lace-up shoe with a no-tie lacing system. A shoe with a rocker bottom outsole can help reduce stress to the ball of the foot where rheumatoid arthritis pain is often present.
Many people with rheumatoid arthritis are drawn to very cushy shoes thinking that will improve their walking comfort. While some cushioning can be present, effective rheumatoid arthritis shoes should prioritize support over cushioning. Proper arch support and progressive shock absorption decrease foot joint strain, thus helping to prevent new damage and subsequent new inflammation. It is also imperative that rheumatoid arthritis shoes provide a roomy fit, especially in the toe box, as pressure points in a shoe's fit can be excruciating for already tender arthritic feet.
HealthyFeetStore.com carries several styles of shoes with a deep internal pocket and a recessed insole. These shoes will easily accommodate bulky prescription orthotics. We also carry shoes with removable insoles that allow you put in your own insoles in favor of the insoles that come with the shoes.
Shoes to Relieve Osteoarthritis Pain
The foot has 28 individual bones. These bones interact with one another painlessly because of the presence of smooth, elastic cartilage at the joints where the bones meet. When a person develops osteoarthritis that cartilage begins to lose its elasticity. Initially the foot may simply feel stiff, but as the cartilage begins to break down from wear and tear, the foot's joints become inflamed leading to inflammation, pain, and swelling. Even in its earliest stages, osteoarthritis of the feet needs to be taken seriously because it can increase a person's risk of developing other painful foot conditions such as bunions, hammertoes, hallux rigidus, and other foot deformities.
A good osteoarthritis shoe should have exceptional shock absorption to minimize the strain on the already fragile cartilage. It should also have good arch support to prevent the foot from fully flattening and causing a chain reaction in the foot's muscle system which can ultimately weaken cartilage. Osteoarthritic feet shoes should also fit loosely around the toe area to minimize pressure points. Be sure to pay special attention to the fit of the shoe's width and don't hesitate to purchase a wide or extra wide shoe if necessary. Many of our shoes are available in wide sizes and feature a larger toe box.
If you are already suffering from foot swelling a stretchable shoe, like a bunion shoe with flex sides, may be a good choice to comfortably accommodate changes in foot size and shape. Osteoarthritis shoes can also help reduce the discomfort of osteoarthritis of the knees. People with osteoarthritic knees may also find relief by wearing a knee brace.
