Flexible shoes are kinder to arthritic knees, but nothing beats going barefoot, according to a study from Rush University Medical College in Chicago. “Stability (firm support) shoes are popular and many people with osteoarthritis of the knee end up wearing them,” says study leader Dr. Najia Shakoor. “But these shoes are associated with significantly higher knee loads compared to more flexible shoes.”

Although Shakoor does not recommend thongs, which can lead to other foot problems and a higher risk of falls, she suggests people with arthritic knees stick with flat, flexible shoes. “When there is less surface to the shoe, the foot has better proprioceptive sense – knowing it knows when it touches the ground – compared to an insulated foot. This allows normal neuromuscular reflexes to come in to play and protect the rest of the leg from the impact of hitting the ground.”

source: Reader’s Digest Apr2008 issue, pg63

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