Living with knee pain can be a constant challenge, impacting your mobility and making walking a painful experience. In a recent study published online on Jan. 12, 2021, by Annals of Internal Medicine, researchers explore how various types of shoes affect knee pain in individuals aged 50 or older who have moderate or severe knee arthritis. These findings provide fascinating insights into the selection of shoes for individuals looking to alleviate knee pain.
Two types of shoe was tested in this study:
- Stable, Supportive Shoes with Thick Soles:
- Flat Shoes with Thin, Flexible Soles:
These shoes feature a sleek design and have thin, flexible soles. Some people believe that the design enables a more natural movement of the leg and foot.
Pain Reduction Results
After a span of six months, the study discovered significant disparities between the two groups of shoes.
A notable 58% of participants in the stable, supportive shoe group experienced a decrease in knee pain during walking.
On the other hand, a mere 40% of people in the group wearing flat, flexible shoes had a comparable decrease. It's interesting to note how important the right choice of footwear can be in reducing knee pain during daily activities.
The Drawbacks of Flexible Shoes
Although there are proponents of flat, flexible shoes, a recent study has uncovered some potential negative effects.
In this group, participants had a significantly higher likelihood of experiencing ankle or foot pain when wearing unstable or unsupportive shoes. It seems that embracing natural movement may have its downsides, as it can lead to heightened discomfort in other aspects.
When it comes to dealing with knee pain, the type of shoes you wear can have a major impact.. It is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional and take into account personal preferences and conditions when choosing footwear to manage knee pain. When it comes to selecting the perfect pair of shoes, it appears that durability plays a crucial role in ensuring a comfortable walking experience.
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