Footwear is key in the non-pharmacological treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee. It can also be combined with the use of appropriate templates for each situation. We tell you here.
Osteoarthritis pain in the knee can be very disabling. Furthermore, it is estimated that this pathology affects almost 275 million people worldwide . The problem is that many are unaware of the importance of footwear in this situation.
Osteoarthritis of the knee consists of progressive wear of the cartilage of the joint. Thus, the bones that are part of the joint (femur, tibia and fibula) lose their separation from each other, and therefore the ability to dampen movement is lost.
The pain of this pathology ends up conditioning the life of those who suffer it. It is becoming increasingly difficult to walk or perform any exercise, including standing. It usually appears in people over 50 , but can occur at any age.
There are more and more treatments that improve the quality of life of these patients. In this article we explain the most recommended footwear to reduce osteoarthritis pain in the knee.

What footwear is recommended for osteoarthritis of the knee?

Osteoarthritis in the knee usually appears in the elderly, making them the most obvious risk group. It is a pathology that, in addition to producing pain , limits movement and causes instability when walking, with the consequent risk of falls and fractures.
This instability is a very important risk for the elderly, since any fall can cause greater damage. Therefore , one of the main issues to consider for footwear is that it correctly supports the foot.
It is essential that the shoes are comfortable, since we will carry them with us for much of the day . A typical option is running shoes They are footwear that are manufactured to adapt well to the shape of the foot. By wearing laces, they can be tied tightly.
Footwear should have a thick sole and a slight rise in the toe, which facilitates the normal and physiological position of the limb. In this way, part of the shock produced by footfalls is also absorbed. In the case of women, it is not recommended to use heels greater than 3 centimeters .

Women with osteoarthritis should avoid wearing very high heels.

Using templates for knee osteoarthritis

Many cases of knee osteoarthritis are accompanied by a deviation of the angle of the leg. Therefore, the use of orthopedic insoles can balance the pressure in the joint, stabilizing the body axis. Ideally, the templates are designed specifically for each person.
These products should further increase the cushioning effect of the shoe. A good way to know if the insoles are necessary, is to look at the heel of some very used shoes If one of them is taller than the other, it indicates that you tend to step on it harder with that leg.
Systematic reviews regarding insoles and their influence on knee osteoarthritis, show that combining them with patient education and exercise reports a notable improvement in pain perception. In other words, patients feel less pain when they apply all preventive measures .

The use of insoles is an important adjuvant to improve the footprint of patients with osteoarthritis of the knee

Latest research on footwear

Science and industry are working on specific footwear that reduces the pain of osteoarthritis of the knee. These are biomechanical products that are calibrated for each particular case .
This represents a great advance in the treatment of osteoarthritis. In addition, it could help improve other pathologies, such as back or hip pain. However, there is still insufficient evidence that this shoe works massively across the population.

Osteoarthritis of the knee needs a complete approach

What we must remember is that anyone with osteoarthritis of the knee should consider footwear . Not only because of the pain, but because it can be related to other complications, such as falls and fractures.
Although it is true that there is still no ideal footwear for pathology, it is essential to always consult a specialist. It is possible that a way can be found to alleviate symptoms or at least reduce the impact on the joint . When in doubt, a professional orthopedic surgeon will be the one to take the appropriate measurements to recommend a shoe or insole.

Footwear designed to reduce osteoarthritis knee pain

Dairy intake is not directly related to a reduced risk of bone fracture, however vitamin D does have a protective capacity in this regard.
Dairy has been associated with preventing bone loss for decades. However, this statement has been disputed at present.
Despite the fact that these foods are rich in calcium, other factors such as physical exercise or vitamin D levels are more decisive when it comes to fighting osteroporosis. This disease is characterized by being frequent in women who have already passed menopause.
Osteoporosis is irreversible and it is crucial to ensure its prevention . Once the bone begins to demineralize, it does not regain lost calcium. For this reason it is important to load the deposits of this mineral early.

Dairy is not the best source of calcium

Contrary to widespread belief, there are foods that provide more calcium than dairy. Some examples are green leafy vegetables. However, it is necessary to be careful with this type of products since, if they contain high amounts of phytates or fiber, the bioavailability of the mineral could be reduced.
Be that as it may, and according to an article published in the journal Nutrition Research Reviews , the association between high consumption of dairy products and reduced bone loss has not been strongly evidenced yet. There are some indications that regular milk intake may reduce the risk of bone breakage, but this association is not scientifically sound and irrefutable.


Osteoporosis is the lack of calcium density in the bone, and it is a frequent problem of menopause.

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Vitamin D helps prevent bone loss

When looking for a prevention of osteoporosis, it is more effective than a high dairy intake to maintain optimal levels of vitamin D. This nutrient and hormone stimulates the absorption and fixation of calcium in the bones, which reduces the risk of fracture, according to a study published in the journal Osteoporosis International .
To ensure the correct levels of this vitamin , frequent exposure to sunlight is essential. In this way, the endogenous production of the nutrient is stimulated, thereby reducing the risk of developing diseases in the medium and long term.
Vitamin D can also be provided through diet. However, in food it is found in a reduced amount. Those with acceptable levels of it are blue fish , eggs and fortified dairy. Some mushrooms may even have it.

Exercise to prevent osteoporosis

Outside of diet, strength physical exercise is an effective way to increase muscle mass and bone density. Practicing sport regularly reduces the risk of fractures in the medium and long term, becoming a protective factor against osteoporosis.
For this reason, the combination of diet and exercise is a good way to prevent the development of this syndrome in menopausal women. However, this series of habits must be developed during a good part of life, not only once the pathology has begun.


Sports and exposure to sunlight are effective habits to prevent osteoporosis

Dairy is not the best solution against bone loss

Dairy products provide beneficial nutrients for the body . Many of them contain probiotics, responsible for improving intestinal health. However, as regards bone loss, this class of products does not provide a great advantage over other alternatives.
The contribution of vitamin D can be helpful. This nutrient increases the absorption and fixation of calcium in the bones, reducing the risk of osteoporosis.
It is a deficit vitamin among the population, due to the low levels of sun exposure. That is why it is recommended to optimize the diet, so that those foods that contain vitamin D are more present. In some cases, supplementation is even necessary.
On the other hand, physical exercise of strength is postulated as a protective method against bone loss. Regular sport reduces the risk of broken bones in women who have already passed menopause. A combination of diet and exercise would be the ideal plan.

Dairy does not help prevent bone loss according to studies

Due to their zinc, xylitol and fluoride content, CB12 Boost products (chewing gums and mouthwashes) are recommended to combat bad breath without neglecting oral health. We will tell you everything in the next article.
One of the most common discomforts that we can experience at some point in our lives, for various reasons, is bad breath. The discomfort it can cause us is such that, to make it disappear as quickly as possible, we try to implement various measures, one of them being chewing gum.
A mint gum is very easy to get. Just by taking it to our mouths and feeling its flavor, we can already see some improvement in our breath. Now, is any gum valid? Does the brand matter? Which flavor is the most recommended?
The experts of the Breath Institute affirm that the sugar present in the chewing gums contributes to the increase of salivation and the proliferation of bacteria. Thus, instead of eliminating bad breath, sugar gum would only make it worse.
Therefore, we will delve into those who do not have sugar, especially in a specific brand.

CB12 Boost

Instead of "dressing up" bad breath with any mint, cinnamon, or various herbal blends, it is best to choose a bubble gum with scientifically proven formulas.
Products CB12 Boost include zinc, a mineral that is known for its involvement in the formation of enzymes involved in processes such as metabolism of fats, proteins and carbohydrates, in addition to effectively capture bad smells.
According to experts from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), this mineral helps the immune system to fight pathogens, both of bacterial and viral origin, and also actively contributes to the normal functioning of the sense of taste.
Likewise, in a study carried out by a team from the University of Murcia (Spain) with different mouthwashes for the treatment of oral halitosis, it was observed that those containing zinc chloride eliminated the number of volatile compounds that caused bad breath and which therefore had antimicrobial activity.
In other  research carried out by the Clinic for Periodontology Amsterdam, it has been found that zinc lactate is also effective in reducing the volatile compounds that develop from bacteria in the mouth that break down food and that cause halitosis.
It should be noted that, in addition to zinc , the CB12 Boost chewing gum and mouthwash formula includes the following:
  • Fluoride, a substance that contributes to the mineralization of the teeth (thus making them stronger).
  • Xylitol, a substance also known as "birch sugar" that inhibits plaque growth.
  • Together, these three substances not only fight bad breath, but also maintain oral health.
While mint and peppermint can mask bad breath for a while, sugar makes it worse in the long run. That is why we must choose chewing gums that do not contain sugar, such as CB12 Boost , whose neutralizing action is possible thanks to the synergy between zinc acetate and the mentioned ingredients.
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Good habits are essential

Maintaining good oral hygiene habits is essential to avoid feeling uncomfortable with such common problems as bad breath and  tooth decay .


On a daily basis, we should strive for the following:
  • Maintain a balanced diet.
    • As much as possible, avoid consuming acidic sugar- rich foods and beverages , such as coffee, candy, and soft drinks.
    • Drink enough water.
  • Avoid (or eliminate, as the case may be) tobacco use .
  • Brush after each meal.
    • Regularly floss your teeth as well as a mouthwash.
    • Wait at least an hour after eating before brushing your teeth, especially if we have eaten something sugary or acidic.
    • Chewing gum occasionally and always in a complementary way, never as a substitute for brushing.


 Visit the dentist twice a year
Additionally, we should try to go to the dentist to check us and do a cleaning at least once every six months. In this way, we will enjoy a healthy mouth and good breath.
Finally, we must bear in mind that, although chewing sugarless gum can get us out of trouble on specific occasions, we should not rely solely on this measure when maintaining our oral health.
good hygiene and abandonment of harmful habits are essential for a healthy mouth and pleasant breath.

Does chewing gum prevent bad breath?