Best Shoes for Psoriatic Arthritis Foot Pain: Types, Features & Shopping Tips

How Psoriatic Arthritis Impacts Your Feet

Psoriatic arthritis is a type of inflammatory arthritis that affects up to 30% of people with psoriasis. It causes joint pain, swelling, and stiffness that can range from mild to severe. Psoriatic arthritis most commonly impacts the joints in the fingers, toes, knees, ankles, and the back of the heel.

The effects of PsA on the feet can include:

• Pain, tenderness, swelling in toes, ankles, heels, arches, and bottoms of feet
• Nail changes like pitting, separation, thickening
• Reduced range of motion in toes and ankles
• Difficulty walking or standing for long periods
• Limping or altered gait
• Trouble finding comfortable shoes

These symptoms stem from the inflammation and joint deterioration caused by psoriatic arthritis. Flare ups can intensify foot pain and make it extremely difficult to walk or be active.

Benefits of Good Shoes for Psoriatic Arthritis

Choosing the right shoes plays a critical role in managing psoriatic arthritis foot pain and discomfort. Here are some of the top benefits of wearing shoes well-suited to PsA:

• Reduced pain and swelling. Supportive, cushioned shoes minimize irritation of tender joints.
• Improved mobility and range of motion. Flexible soles allow natural foot movement.
• Greater stability and balance. Features like arch support prevent rolling and pronation that can aggravate joints.
• Enhanced shock absorption. Cushioning helps reduce pressure on sore heels and balls of feet.
• Protection from injury. Sturdy materials shield painful toes and nails from impact.
• Prevention of calluses and corns. Proper fit eliminates friction that causes irritating skin lesions.

Wearing shoes that fit your feet well and accommodate your PsA symptoms will make walking, standing, and exercising much more comfortable. Alleviating foot pain also helps you stay active and mobile.

Shoe Features to Look for with Psoriatic Arthritis

Certain qualities and designs make shoes more suitable for psoriatic arthritis foot problems. Here are key features to look for:

Cushioning and Shock Absorption

Prioritize shoes with ample cushioning in the soles and uppers, especially around the heels. Materials like foam, gel, and some plastics provide excellent shock absorption to reduce pressure on tender spots.

Stretchy Uppers

Uppers made of soft, stretchy materials allow room for toe swelling while conforming smoothly over painful joints. Knitted fabrics, lycra, and flexible leather uppers offer adjustable comfort.

Wide, Deep Toe Boxes

Toe boxes with plenty of depth and width prevent friction against swollen toes and thickened nails. Choose round or square-shaped toe boxes over narrow, pointed styles.

Removable Insoles

Insoles that can be removed allow you to insert custom orthotics for added arch support, heel cushioning, or metatarsal padding.

Lightweight Soles

Lightweight soles put less strain on feet and joints when walking or standing. Flexible minimalist or rocker soles also promote natural foot motion.

Stable Heels

Low, wide heels or flared heels improve stability compared to skinny, high heels. Some heel cushioning still provides shock absorption.

Traction Soles

Textured soles with rubber grips prevent slips and falls. This protects joints from injury if your foot mobility and balance are compromised.

Adjustable Fasteners

Shoes with velcro, buckles, or laces allow you to modify the fit as needed for swelling feet. Extenders can be added to widen closures.

Lightweight Materials

Shoes made of lightweight canvas, mesh, soft leathers or knits minimize the weight burden on painful feet and ankles.

The Best Shoe Styles for Psoriatic Arthritis

These shoe types offer features that specifically help alleviate the effects of psoriatic arthritis on your feet:

Walking Shoes

With excellent cushioning, shock absorption, and motion control, walking shoes provide comfort and support for PsA feet during lower impact activities.

Running Shoes

Running shoes are lightweight and flexible yet stabilize joints and absorb impact during higher intensity exercise. Some have removable insoles.

Orthopedic Shoes

Designed to accommodate foot conditions and sensitivities, orthopedic shoes have adjustable fit, ample toe room, and cushioned arch support.

Slippers

Soft, flexible slippers cushion sore feet after activities. Look for slip-on styles with adjustable or stretchy closures and light padding.

Sandals

Supportive athletic sandals secure feet while allowing air circulation. Models with velcro closures accommodate swelling. Avoid flimsy styles.

Boots

Comfortable Chelsea boots, hiking boots, or combat boots provide ankles support. Seek flexible materials with soft cushioned insoles.

Sneakers

Casual sneakers with mesh panels, foam soles, and padded collars prevent irritation of foot joints and skin. Prioritize breathability.

Loafers

Leather loafers with cushioned insoles allow feet to move freely. Look for slip-on or lace-up closures with wide, rounded toe boxes.

Tips for Shopping for Psoriatic Arthritis Shoes

Keep these tips in mind when shopping for shoes to accommodate your psoriatic foot pain:

• Go to a store late in the day when feet are most swollen.
• Bring custom orthotics to test fit with insoles.
• Try shoes with the socks youll normally wear.
• Walk around the store to test comfort and support.
• Ensure a thumb's width between your longest toe and shoe tip.
• Select lace-up shoes you can loosen or tighten as needed.
• Take pressure off toes by looking for heels under 2 inches.
• Dont assume you need wide shoes. Focus on toe box roominess.
• Break shoes in gradually at home to prevent rubbing.

Finding shoes for psoriatic arthritis takes some trial and error. But paying attention to fit, comfort, and support will go a long way towards relieving your foot pain and discomfort.

Orthotics and Modifications for Psoriatic Arthritis Shoes

Custom orthotics, inserts, and modifications can make regular shoes more suitable for relieving psoriatic arthritis foot symptoms:

Orthotic Insoles

Inserting custom-made orthotic insoles adds arch support, heel cups, and metatarsal pads to shoes. They help correct pronation and distribute pressure away from painful spots.

Cushioning

Adding extra insoles, pads, or cushy materials enhances shock absorption and reduces pressure on sore areas.

Toe Box Expanders

Devices that widen and deepen toe boxes accommodate swelling and irritated joints in toes and balls of feet.

Heel Grips

Cushioned heel pads lift heels slightly to reduce strain on Achilles tendons and back of heels.

Arch Supports

Custom or over-the-counter arch supports improve stability, realign footing, and prevent pain in arched areas.

Bunion Pads

Protective, cushioned pads separate and relieve pressure on inflamed bunions.

Talk to a podiatrist about recommendations for orthotics and modifications tailored your psoriatic arthritis symptoms and gait patterns.

Key Takeaways on the Best Shoes for Psoriatic Arthritis

• Look for ample cushioning, shock absorption, and motion control.
• Stretchy, breathable uppers and wide toe boxes prevent irritation.
• Prioritize stability, traction, and adjustable closures.
• Focus on overall comfort rather than shoe size or style.
• Consider orthotics and padding to customize shoe fit.
• Shop later in the day when swelling is worse.
• Take time to walk around and test shoes before buying.

Finding the optimal shoes takes some effort and patience when you have psoriatic arthritis. But the right footwear can make a dramatic difference in managing your discomfort and staying active. Dont settle for shoes that rub, pinch, or put pressure on tender spots.

With these tips and recommendations, you can confidently choose shoes that provide cushioning, support, and adjustability so you can comfortably go about your daily activities.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.