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 .
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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 .
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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.
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