Orlando, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/30/2015 -- Shoes are one of the most important things in life for many people. They are worn for protection and for fashion. However, it is not only wearing, but also choosing the right pair of shoes that matters, especially among individuals who are suffering from a certain medical condition.
A new study found that one's choice of footwear can potentially help knee osteoarthritis. This study recommends that individuals who are suffering from knee osteoarthritis should wear flexible-soled shoes rather than the stiffer ones.
According to the study that was presented at the American College of Rheumatology's annual meeting, wearing flexible and flat shoes allows the feet to naturally, effortlessly move and this typically results in improvements in function, pain and quality of life among knee osteoarthritis patients.
"It has also been revealed that knee osteoarthritis patients who wore these mobility shoes for 48 weeks seemed to have exerted less force on their knee joints," said VitaBreeze Supplements spokesperson, Michelle O'Sullivan.
According to The Arthritis Foundation, osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage, which is the material that cushions the joints, breaks down. This typically results in friction between the bones, which causes pain, loss of joint movement and stiffness. Osteoarthritis has made millions of patients suffer and this is something that health experts are trying to provide a solution to.
There are around 27 million individuals in the United States who are currently suffering from osteoarthritis. It is the knee that is usually one of the most commonly affected joints. Knee osteoarthritis can cause medial compartment osteoarthritis and lateral compartment osteoarthritis.
Najia Shakoor, M.D., Rush University Medical Center's associate professor of medicine and rheumatologist, stated that knee osteoarthritis patients should consider using lightweight, flexible shoes instead of the supportive and cushioned footwear.
A placebo, randomized controlled trial was conducted by Dr. Shakoor to determine the effects of mobility shoes on knee osteoarthritis patients. During the first phase of the study, they provided 22 patients with a pair of flexible shoes designed to let the feet bend in the same way as they do when barefoot. There were also twenty-eight subjects who were given a control shoe that looked identical. However, their shoes had a metal plate that was designed to decrease one's ability to bend.
After 48 weeks, it was found that the participants who wore the mobility shoes were almost twice as likely to have experienced improvements compared to the control group. It was also found that there was a reduction in the load on their knees.
Many pain management options are being used by individuals who are suffering from the condition, and one is glucosamine. Glucosamine supplements are believed to be safer to use than pharmaceutical drugs due to the natural therapeutic properties they contain (http://www.amazon.com/Glucosamine-Sulfate-Chondroitin-Supplement-Turmeric/dp/B00DUMO9X4/).
About VitaBreeze
VitaBreeze is a nutraceutical brand that manufactures high-quality natural supplements to help people live a healthy, enjoyable and longer life. All of the company's products are manufactured in the United States using the finest quality ingredients that have been carefully selected, tested and crafted into the firm's winning formulas. Visit http://www.VitaBreeze.com to learn more.
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