Arthritis is a painful and uncomfortable condition that affects the joints. Many elderly people struggle with it, particularly with mobility. Arthritis can cause discomfort in the small joints of the feet and may worsen with age.
You may experience symptoms like swelling, stiffness, and soreness, making daily activities like getting out of bed or going in and out of the house difficult. Thankfully, having the right shoes can alleviate some of that pain.
This guide will equip you with expert-guided tools to pick shoes with the right support for your feet. We’ll provide you with key features to look for, as well as recommendations for different types of arthritis.
We’ll also provide tips on reducing strain and maintaining good foot health. If you or a loved one suffers from foot arthritis, the right footwear can greatly improve your quality of life.
How Arthritis Affects Feet
Understanding how arthritis impacts foot health will help you select shoes that provide the most support and comfort. Arthritis can impact the hands, knees, hips, and feet. The condition can be caused by various problems, including:
- Wear and tear on the joints
- An injury
- Health conditions
- An infection or environmental factors
- An autoimmune disease
Because the feet support the body’s weight, people with foot arthritis typically experience stiffness, pain, and swelling. This can affect your mobility and make it difficult to do tasks like climbing stairs or walking for prolonged periods of time. There are three main types of arthritis that may impact your foot health differently:
- Osteoarthritis – Commonly called “Wear and Tear” arthritis, this condition is caused by the deterioration of the joints in your feet and may be more prominent in one foot than the other.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis – Caused by an autoimmune disease that attacks joint tissue, this condition usually affects both feet equally.
- Post-Traumatic Arthritis—Caused by an injury, this condition may be isolated to one foot or more irritable with certain foot movements.
Treatments for these types of arthritis differ, but it’s important to consult with your doctor to set up a course of action. Understanding the type of arthritis you have can help you mitigate pain and take action to reduce discomfort.
Key Features to Look for in Shoes for Elderly People with Arthritis
Shoes for elderly people with arthritis should include key features that can alleviate or reduce arthritis pain and provide support. Here’s what you should look for.
Cushioning and Padding
Your arthritis may flare up when you stress your joints. Simple activities like walking or bending down can increase joint discomfort, so proper cushioning is essential to reduce joint shock. Proper cushioning in comfortable shoes for seniors can reduce joint shock. This absorbs some of the impact and pressure on the joints.
Arch Support
Depending on the arch of your foot, your shoes could be actively contributing to your arthritis. That’s because some parts of your foot exert more pressure than others. Footwear for arthritis sufferers can ensure that the pressure of each step is distributed evenly throughout your foot. That way, no one part is taking on excess pressure.
Wide Toe Box
A wide toe box ensures your feet are not cramped. If your shoes are too narrow and your toes are compressed, your joints may be stiff and strained. To prevent this, ensure your shoes have ample space for your toes.
Adjustable Straps or Laces
No two feet are the same, and supportive shoes for arthritis should have adjustable features. That way, you can tighten or loosen the fit to be comfortable. This can help avoid your shoes being too loose, which can increase the risk of falling. On the flip side, it can ensure your shoes aren’t too tight so that your toes are cramped, which can cause arthritis to flare up.
Non-Slip Soles
As you age, you must be mindful of the risk of falling. The soles are the biggest weak point for shoes. If the shoes are too loose or the soles don’t grip, you are at a greater risk of falling. When you look for arthritis-friendly shoes for seniors, look for soft, sturdy rubber soles with deep tread grooves. The soles of non-slip shoes are usually thicker, too.
Breathable Materials
Inflammation in the joints can cause your feet to feel hot and sweaty. This issue can worsen if your shoes trap warm air, which can irritate your arthritis. Shoes for joint pain relief made from high-quality natural fibres tend to be more breathable and comfy for your feet.
Lightweight Design
Shoes that are too heavy can make it more difficult to walk and put more stress on your joints. As such, look for shoes with a lightweight design to reduce strain on your legs and feet.
Now that you know the key features to look for, let’s explore the types of shoes that best meet these criteria for seniors with arthritis.
Types of Shoes Recommended for Elderly People with Arthritis
The best shoe for you should be tailored to your needs. Here’s a handy arthritis shoe-buying guide you can refer to.
Orthopaedic Shoes
Orthopaedic shoes are designed to be therapeutic and are designed for medical conditions, including arthritis. They are generally designed with a roomy toe box, arch support, cushioning, and adjustable straps. Often, they are lightweight to reduce strain while walking. This type of shoe is ideal if you experience pain, stiffness, or swelling during everyday activities.
Walking Shoes
Walking shoes are designed to provide stability and comfort for daily life, making them ideal for managing arthritis-related discomfort.
These shoes can be identified by their raised soles, which are good for regular walking motion but not for side-to-side movements. They are ideal for walking for longer periods of time without experiencing fatigue or discomfort.
Slip-On Shoes
Slip-on shoes are ideal for seniors with mobility issues, as they can be worn without bending down. They may not be fit for extensive outdoor use, but if you need shoes to help you walk around the house without stressing your joints, they are a good option.
Sandals with Arch Support
If your feet are easily overheated, sandals might be a good fit to allow them to breathe, especially if you live in a warmer climate. It’s important to pick ones with arch support, however, since that will help distribute the weight of each step evenly so that certain joints aren’t overstressed. You may also want to look for sandals with cushioning so you can rely on them for daily use.
Custom-Made Shoes
If you can’t find the perfect balance of comfort and support, you may want to look into having custom-built shoes. This is especially helpful if you are between shoe sizes or have an unusual foot shape. Often, a podiatrist can help you figure out what features your shoes need so that you are comfy and supported.
Top Shoe Brands for Seniors with Arthritis
Some shoe brands cater to seniors and people with arthritis. These shoes are usually built to provide high-quality shoes to prevent falls, provide support, and cushion the feet. These features can alleviate symptoms of arthritis. Here are some brands to keep in mind.
New Balance
New Balance is a brand of footwear known for its use of high-quality materials and a wide range of styles. Their Supportive Footwear line is ideal if you need everyday shoes that are reliable, comfortable, and supportive. Some key features include:
- Reliability
- Arch support
- High-quality construction
- Comfort
If you want to be more active and reduce flare-ups, this brand might be a good fit.
Orthofeet
Orthofeet tailors their lineup of shoes to help people with arthritis. They have custom shoes made for various conditions, including:
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Bunions
- Heel Pain
- Diabetes & Arthritis
Boasting a wide toe box and all-day support, this brand is ideal if comfort is a priority.
Vionic
With orthotic technology, Vionic has some of the best shoes for seniors with arthritis. They have loafers, slippers, flats, sneakers, and sandals, so there’s a Vionic shoe for your every need. The brand is best recognised for:
- Orthotic support in every shoe
- A wide variety of shoe types
- Excellent cushioning
Vionic shoes are specifically tailored for those with plantar fasciitis, heel pain, or arch support problems. If your arthritis makes it difficult to move, this brand can help reduce discomfort.
Tips for Shopping for Arthritis-Friendly Shoes
Even if you know what you want going in, it can be hard to know whether you’ve made the right choice. With that in mind, here are some tips to help you buy in-store or online.
Try on Shoes Later in the Day
Your arthritis may cause your feet to swell in the morning after long periods of rest, or whenever you’ve been sitting for a while. Trying on pain-relieving shoes later in the day ensures an accurate fit, as your feet may swell throughout the day.
Bring Orthotics or Insoles
If you use orthotics or insoles, make sure you bring them when you go shopping. This will help you ensure they are compatible with the shoes you are interested in.
Consult with Your Podiatrist
Your podiatrist or trusted healthcare professional can give you tips and tricks to shop for arthritis-friendly shoes. Tell them about your symptoms, and they may be able to recommend specific brands or shoe features you need.
Test the Shoes
Most importantly, you should wear shoes before you buy them. Walk up and down the store for a minute to see whether you feel comfortable in the shoes. You can also judge if they are too loose, too heavy, or too hard.
If you are shopping online, try to find offers with a return policy so that you can send the shoes back if they are not comfortable or practical for your needs.
Maintaining Foot Health Alongside Proper Footwear
Aside from choosing the right shoes, you can take active steps to preserve your foot health. These steps include:
- Daily Exercises – Daily foot exercises, such as toe stretches and ankle rotations, can strengthen the affected joints, improve mobility, and ward off stiffness and pain. This can slow the onset of arthritis so that you experience fewer symptoms with less severity.
- Foot Care Routines – Swelling associated with arthritis can cause numerous symptoms, including clammy or puffy skin, irritation, and pain. To help alleviate this, you should implement a foot care routine, which could include washing, drying, exfoliating, and moisturizing your skin.
- Regular Inspection – Check your feet daily to identify pain points. You can gently check for sores or pressure points and report these to your podiatrist to ensure you get the best treatment possible.
- Podiatrist Checkups—Consult your podiatrist regularly to manage your arthritis symptoms. They can provide exercise tips, orthotic support, and helpful advice to reduce discomfort.
Taking a proactive approach to managing your arthritis symptoms helps you maintain foot health. These steps can help you strengthen your feet and get the best care possible. If you pair these with proper footwear, you may experience less swelling, stiffness, and pain.
Final Thoughts
Arthritis in the feet can make it difficult to do what you love; however, with a proactive approach and elderly foot support, you can relieve some of its symptoms. To summarise, you can:
- Learn more about your type of arthritis
- Figure out what shoe features you need
- Shop with reliable brands to find arthritis-friendly footwear
- Take active steps to strengthen and care for your joints
- Talk to your podiatrist about what’s right for you
If you follow these steps, you can find the perfect shoe to alleviate your arthritis symptoms and improve your quality of life. If you or a loved one is facing challenges related to arthritis or mobility, finding the right care is essential.
At Rivendell Care, we provide compassionate, tailored elderly care and support in London to help you maintain independence and improve your quality of life. Contact us to learn more about our elderly care services and take the first step towards personalised care today.
