Healthcare Study: Flip-Flops Could Reduce 542k Yearly Knee Replacement

By William Finch on March 29, 2010, 3:19 pm Posted in Economy News

Flip-flops are not the type of shoes people think about when you think about you hear the phrase orthopedic footwear. Osteoarthritis and knee pain sufferers may benefit from wearing flip-flops or flat soled shoes. Researchers at Rush University in Illinois determined the effects of flip-flops and other types of flexible footwear reduced the complications of osteoarthritis in the knee.

Why Flip-flops Reduce Damage to the Knee

Shoes that provide arch support add pressure to the knee. While it can take pressure away from joints such as the ankles, adequate arch support adds pressure to the knees. Flexible-soled shoes restore the pressure to the bottom of the foot. Over time the flat-soled shoes reduce the damage to the knee and can help stop the spread of osteoarthritis.

Flip-flops may help reduce knee pain in people with similar conditions. Flexible soled, shoes worked well for reducing knee pain, but clogs and stability shoes did not provide extra benefit. The beach footware with a distinctive sound receives no respect from its critics. Exact estimates are not in yet, but the Arthritis foundation believes wearing flip-flops and flexibly soled shoes could reduce the number of knee surgery replacements performed each year by 542,000.

How Can It Reduce the Risk of Knee Replacements

Osteoarthritis and sometimes Rheumatoid Arthritis patients sometimes need a knee replacement when the damage to the joint becomes too severe. Both conditions cause the joint to deteriorate over time. When too much damage is done, a doctor might recommend knee replacement surgery. By taking pressure of the joint, flip-flops reduce potential damage to the limb.

 

Flip-flops should not be seen as a cure-all for knee problems as long-term wear can cause pain to the foot, but they may work to alleviate short term problems. A person with knee problems may want to try other types of flexible soled shoes that he or she can wear year-round. Flip flops and flexible soled shoes even beat out the popular Crocs footwear for people with osteoarthritis in the knees.

Related posts:

1. Obama Flip-Flopping On Taxing The Middle Class?
2. How Much Can Debt Management Programs Reduce My Monthly Payments?
3. Obama Considering Applying TARP Funds To Reduce Budget Deficit?
4. 5 New Tips To Choosing A Debt Management Company In A Down Economy
5. Study Guide: The Benefits Of Using A Debt Management Program