Sometimes footwear choices are made on account of how the footwear looks or is suitable for a particular occasion. However, our choice of footwear is not only a matter of comfort and looks, but also a tool to affect the way we move and our posture.

Feet are the base of the body and every step involves the work of feet, ankles, knees, hip joint and spine. If the movement of feet is altered by the chosen footwear, other joints will have to do extra work to maintain the proper function.

How footwear can affect the knees

Inadequate cushioning and support of the footwear may increase the impact of walking on the legs. Also, if the footwear modifies the position of the feet, it will influence the movement of the knee with each step.

Patients who suffer from certain diseases, like knee arthritis or misalignment of the legs, may feel additional pain while wearing inappropriate shoes.

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Another problem is high heels. They make the body weight distributed in the forefoot area and modify the position of the ankle, knee and hip joints. Prolonged wear of the footwear of this kind may lead to anterior knee pain, chondromalacia patella and early arthritis of the knee cap (patella).

Your ankles need support too

The use of loose shoes or those which do not have sufficient stability causes the ankle to work harder in order to achieve balance. This may be particularly applicable to people who are on their feet or walking for long periods of the day.

The uneven wear of the sole of shoes is also an indication that the gait of the individual causes undue pressure in some parts of the foot.

The connection with posture

Shoes play a role in how the body achieves balance while walking or standing. With feet feeling uncomfortable or being in unnatural positions, a person may make adjustments in his gait and posture. This may cause problems in the calves, knees, hips or lower back.

Choosing joint-friendly footwear

It is important to ensure that the everyday footwear is well-fitting with good cushioning as well as enough space for the toes to move freely.

The heel has to be secure without being too tight, and the sole of the shoe has to offer the right grip and stability. It is important to change the footwear when the cushioning or the tread wears out considerably.

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In cases where a person suffers from constant pain in the feet, ankles, knees or the back, then the problem might not be sorted by changing the type of footwear. They should seek a medical examination to determine whether the source of the pain lies within footwear, gait, joint alignment or even an underlying musculoskeletal problem.

In general, fashion and joints-friendly footwear do not necessarily need to be incompatible. Take care of your foot, it will carry you for the rest of your life.

-Dr. Shivareddy H A is a Consultant - Orthopaedics and Joint Replacement Surgeon, Robotic Ortho Surgeon at Manipal Hospital Whitefield