Footwear For Function
Running Shoes: Advice
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James McCormack is a Physical Therapist who specialises in knee, foot & ankle injuries. www.james-mccormack.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
Running is often strongly discouraged for those who are experiencing pain in their knees. When that pain is from knee arthritis it doesn’t have to be completely stopped. In many cases, the impact of running can be reduced in several different ways. Firstly strengthening the muscles of the legs, secondly choosing to run on softer surfaces, and finally selecting cushioned and supportive running shoes to wear. By making these adjustments you might find that you can reduce the impact on your knees and therefore the irritation that running can cause.
What are the best running shoes for knee arthritis?
The best shoes for knee arthritis whether used for running or walking are those with a lot of cushioning. The cushioning of the shoe can absorb some of the impact from the contact of your foot to the ground. This means that less impact continues up the legs to your knees. The degenerative process of arthritis makes the knee joint less well-equipped to effectively absorb impact. Below are two good options for running shoes for knee arthritis for men and women. These shoe models offer plush cushioning to reduce the impact on your knee.
Hoka Clifton 8
The Hoka brand was born in the French Alpes in the ultra-running and trail-running scene. they were created to have plush cushioning, to reduce the high impact of running downhill. The Clifton 8 is a fantastic neutral shoe that is described by Hoka as “soft and light”. The responsive foam sole is impressively light, while delivering effective cushioning.
Asics Gel-Nimbus 24
The Gel-Nimbus 24 model has been designed specifically as a neutral shoe for distance running with, as Asics describes “advanced impact protection” to create a soft landing for each step. This version is also significantly lighter than the previous, meaning there is no compromise and you can still run in light and springy shoes.
Overpronation
When selecting shoes, it is best to discuss with your physical therapist what they think is best for your specific biomechanics. Some people may need more support for the movement of the foot, as well as cushioning. You may have heard of the term pronation. Pronation is the normal movement of the foot from where it strikes the ground on the outside of the heel and rolls through to push off the ground from the big toe. Some people have move control of this movement and might benefit from specific shoes designed for “overpronation”. In addition to this movement at the foot and ankle, overpronation can encourage an inward movement of the knee which can add to the pain that you might experience when walking or running when you have arthritis if this movement is not well controlled. Good options for those who need some extra support are recommended below.
Asics Gel-Kayano
This is a stability model in the Asics running range. It has specific technology that has been designed to cradle your heel, and stabilise your midfoot to reduce the speed and degree of pronation. This can prevent the repercussion that overpronation can have on your knee movement. This model still has plush cushioning, designed to feel responsive and stable.
Brooke’s Adrenaline GTS 22
Brookes is another reliable brand of running shoes that can be trusted with delivering a good shoe for stability and cushioning. The Adrenaline GTS 22 has been designed for soft landings while providing added support for those runners who overpronate. Their guide rail technology reduces excess movement of the foot and ankle, which aids the efficient movement of the knee also.
If your personal running biomechanics need more support than standard shoes can offer you should choose a neutral shoe to fit a custom-made orthotic. Orthotics are insoles that are designed specifically for your biomechanical needs. They can encourage movements of the foot that are positive for your biomechanics and reduce others that are less helpful. James is a specialist in knee foot and ankle and has designed custom orthotics for thousands of happy runners.
Physiotherapy with James McCormack
This is not medical advice. We recommend a consultation with a medical professional such as James McCormack. He offers Online Physiotherapy Appointments.