The hips and knees are our largest joints and they are responsible for supporting our entire body. Because of this fact- wearing the right kind of shoes is critical, and can help you to avoid all sorts of issues with your hips, back, ankles, feet- and most of all, knees.
In order for your knees to function properly, they need to be in alignment with your hips and feet. Sometimes wearing the wrong shoes can change that alignment, which in turn forces the knees to work harder. For example, a shoe with a high heel that changes the angle of the foot forces your weight forward. This forward push on the knees keeps them tense and puts continuous pressure on the kneecap.
In fact, researchers at Iowa State University conducted a study where they measured and compared the forces on the knee of women wearing flat shoes, women wearing 2-inch heels, and women wearing 3.5-inch heels.
The results of the study found that the women who regularly wore high heels had an increased risk of knee osteoarthritis, and knee joint degeneration. Furthermore, they found that the higher the heel, the greater the frequency of lower back pain.
Other culprits when it comes to knee pain, are clogs and the wrong type of athletic shoes.
The problem with clogs is that the way they are designed causes them to reduce the natural movement of the feet. This change causes excessive stress on the inside of the knee joints.
As for athletic shoes, it’s important to look for shoes that are well-cushioned with firm soles, and that are designed for the type of activity you are doing. It’s also important that the shoes fit properly.
Walking around in a shoe that is too tight or too loose can cause impair your gait, and thus contribute to knee pain. Shoes that are too tight, can cause you to limp because of foot pain, while shoes that are too loose can change or impair your gate over longer periods of time.
The bottom line, take notice of the shoes you are wearing, and how they make you feel. If you notice your knees feel better or worse in certain footwear, make note of that. It can also be helpful to visit an orthopedic specialist that can help fit you in the proper shoe. Many runners’ stores also have someone on staff that can help you find a shoe that works best for you.
You can also check out this article published by Harvard Medical School to find out more tips on how to find the right shoes.
With a little extra time and effort, getting the right shoes can make a big difference.
