Melbourne University associate professor Cade Paterson has clarified some commonly held beliefs among people suffering from joint diseases. According to him, sturdy shoes with arch support can be beneficial during knee osteoarthritis, but recommending the same model to those with hip joint problems is not appropriate.
According to Demokrat.az, studies show that the load on the joints with each step directly depends on the chosen footwear. A six-centimeter heel increases the pressure on the knees by an average of 23 percent compared to walking barefoot. Rigid soles and high arch supports can raise the load on the knee joint by up to 15 percent.
However, a new study conducted on 120 patients with osteoarthritis of the hip joint revealed interesting results. No significant difference was observed in pain reduction between shoes with elastic soles and those with rigid support.
Cade Paterson states that models providing stability and firmly supporting the foot are more suitable for those with knee problems. For those experiencing pain in the hip joint, personal comfort is a more important criterion than a specific shoe model. Older adults are advised to avoid narrow and high-heeled shoes to reduce the risk of falling.