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When you have arthritis, exercise can often feel like a big ask. And if you have arthritis in your feet and ankles, the thought of exercise can become <\/span>even less<\/span><\/i> appealing.<\/span><\/p>\n But did you know that modified exercises for arthritis may help you manage your symptoms and support your mental health?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n In this article, we\u2019ll discuss the benefits of exercising with arthritis, different exercise options, and how proper <\/span>arch support shoes for women<\/span><\/a> and<\/span> men\u2019s arch support shoes<\/span><\/a> can make activities more comfortable (and more fun!).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Arthritis is an umbrella term for conditions or diseases that cause inflammation in the joints.<\/span> Over 100 different illnesses fall under this category.<\/span> Osteoarthritis, for example, happens when the cartilage around a joint wears out due to aging and everyday wear and tear. Rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, is an auto-immune disease where the immune system attacks the tissue around the joint.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n When the cushioning between and around the joints breaks down, the space between the joints shortens. Once the cartilage and tissues are lost, the bones start rubbing together.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Arthritis is best known for aggravating the affected joints, causing swelling, stiffness, and joint pain.<\/span> It can also lead to weakness, balance and mobility issues, and bone deformities for some arthritis patients.<\/span><\/p>\n Arthritis in your feet often shows up:<\/span><\/p>\n Given how painful arthritis in the feet can be, avoiding activities that could make it worse is natural. If it hurts to move like you used to, it may seem easier to move less. However, a sedentary lifestyle, especially as we get older, can be detrimental to our well-being and cause symptoms like stiff joints and arthritic pain to worsen.<\/span>\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n As counterintuitive as it seems, experts agree that gentle exercise may be one of the best ways to manage the symptoms and degenerative nature of arthritis.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Regular movement\u2014even modified arthritis exercises\u2014can:\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n If exercising with arthritis in your feet makes you a little nervous, you aren\u2019t alone. But as with any activity, staying safe is essential so you don\u2019t injure yourself.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Since arthritis attacks the joints and makes them tender, swollen, and less stable, choosing activities that are light on load and aren\u2019t too strenuous is important. Low-impact exercises that don\u2019t put pressure on your joints are best.<\/span> What\u2019s more, incorporating regular, gentle stretching into your daily routine can also help keep your feet mobile and prevent stiff joints.<\/span><\/p>\n Experts recommend that everyone\u2014including people with arthritis\u2014perform a mix of aerobic workouts and muscle strength training on a daily basis.<\/span> Why?<\/span><\/p>\n But keep in mind that proper preparation and <\/span>active recovery<\/span><\/a> are just as necessary as the exercise itself. Consider warming up your feet with a hot compress for 20 minutes before working out, then icing your feet down for 20 minutes after.<\/span><\/p>\n Here are a few of the best arthritis exercises you can do to strengthen your body and increase your heart rate without adding additional stress to your affected joints:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Whether inside on a treadmill or outside in the park, any walking exercise is good for arthritis. It\u2019s an optimal way to combat stiffness and a relatively simple exercise to complete. A supportive pair of <\/span>comfortable walking shoes<\/span><\/a> can provide pain relief and make the experience even more enjoyable.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Water walking, aqua aerobics, lap swimming\u2014the best part about water exercises is that there are so many to choose from! Water also adds buoyancy to your workouts, taking even more stress off your joints. Not to mention, taking water classes at a local recreation center is a great way to get out and socialize.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Pilates is an excellent option for strength training without adding much load (i.e., weight) to your workout. Consider working one-on-one with an instructor to ensure you perform the proper modifications.<\/span><\/p>\n This gentle exercise can also serve as a form of meditation and spiritual work.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Yoga is a great low-impact exercise option that combines mobility, joint flexibility, and strength. If your level of pain and stiffness is particularly high, you can also do yoga in a chair.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Our feet are the body\u2019s foundation\u2014literally. They carry us through every movement and support our entire body weight. To that end, working out in the proper shoes is vital to your safety and comfort.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Wearing high-performance shoes during exercises for arthritis provides:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n If walking is your preferred arthritis exercise, you\u2019ll want to find a walking shoe that can keep you moving comfortably (because the more comfortable you are, the more likely you are to keep up your walking routine!). The best shoes for arthritic feet<\/a> include:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Vionic\u2019s orthotic shoes combine biomechanics and style to create shoes that keep you aligned and balanced while boosting your confidence. Let\u2019s look at a few stand-out options:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n If your walking is casual and your arthritis is mild, then an everyday walking shoe like the <\/span>23Walk 2.0 Classic Sneaker<\/span><\/a> can get you where you need to go. Featuring our Vio Motion technology for the ultimate support and comfort, this classic walker will keep you moving ahead. This style is available in men’s and women\u2019s sizing.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Can you get arthritis in your feet<\/a>? Sure can. Aggressive arthritis in your feet can make walking more difficult. A more technical walking shoe with essential modifications can make all the difference. Enter the <\/span>Walk Max Lace Up Sneaker<\/span><\/a>, Vionic\u2019s most technical walking shoe. It features a \u201crocker bottom,\u201d where the sole curves slightly at the heel for better rebound with every strike. What\u2019s more, super critical foam offers extra cushion, making your walks more comfortable and movement easier.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Even people with arthritis in their feet should be able to enjoy a cute pair of sandals. The <\/span>Bella Toe Post Sandal<\/span><\/a> and the <\/span>Tide II Toe Post Sandal<\/span><\/a> make walking on the beach extra relaxing with full arch support and contours designed to hug your entire foot.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Active<\/span> recovery shoes for men<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>women\u2019s recovery shoes<\/span><\/a> give your feet that extra R&R after a hard workout. They\u2019re also an excellent option for people with arthritis whose feet need daily support. The <\/span>Rejuvenate Recovery Sandal<\/span><\/a>, the <\/span>Tide RX Recovery Sandal<\/span><\/a>, and the innovative <\/span>Cove RX Recovery Sandal<\/span><\/a> offer unparalleled comfort. The Cove RX, engineered with Vionic’s advanced VRX technology, provides ultra cushioning, support, and stability, along with a massaging footbed for the ultimate recovery experience. These sandals feature dual-density cushioning, superior arch support, and adjustable straps for the perfect fit.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n How to ease arthritis pain<\/a>? Exercising is one of the best ways, especially in your feet. Low-impact, modified exercises for arthritis can help strengthen muscles around affected joints, maintain mobility and balance, improve sleep, and even promote better mental health.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Take on your exercise goals with <\/span>Vionic\u2019s<\/span><\/a> line of ultra-supportive shoes. Our shoes are designed with exclusive, full-body alignment in mind to offer the support you need to manage your arthritis symptoms, whether taking a brisk walk in the park or slipping into a pair of recovery sandals.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sources:\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n Mayo Clinic. <\/span>\u201cArthritis \u2013 Symptoms and causes.\u201d <\/span><\/i>https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/arthritis\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20350772<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n Cleveland Clinic. <\/span>\u201cArthritis in Foot and Ankle: Symptoms, Surgery & Treatment.\u201d <\/span><\/i>https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/diseases\/13900-foot-and-ankle-arthritis<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n Senior Lifestyle. <\/span>\u201c\u2018Sitting Disease\u2019 and the Effects of a Sedentary Lifestyle.\u201d <\/span><\/i>https:\/\/www.seniorlifestyle.com\/resources\/blog\/sitting-disease-dangers-sedentary-lifestyle\/<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n Healthline. <\/span>\u201c14 Benefits of Strength Training.\u201d <\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span>https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/fitness\/benefits-of-strength-training#benefits<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n Mayo Clinic. <\/span>\u201cExercise: 7 benefits of regular physical activity.\u201d <\/span><\/i>https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/healthy-lifestyle\/fitness\/in-depth\/exercise\/art-20048389<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n Healthline. <\/span>\u201c11 Exercises for Arthritis.\u201d <\/span><\/i>https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/exercises-for-arthritis#guidelines<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n West Texas Pain. <\/span>\u201cThe Mental Toll That Comes With Chronic Pain.\u201d <\/span><\/i>https:\/\/www.westtexaspain.com\/blog\/the-mental-toll-that-comes-with-chronic-pain<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n Arthritis.org. <\/span>\u201c14 Ways to Work Out With Arthritis.\u201d <\/span><\/i>https:\/\/www.arthritis.org\/health-wellness\/healthy-living\/physical-activity\/other-activities\/14-ways-to-work-out-with-arthritis<\/span><\/a><\/p>\nWhat is Arthritis?\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n
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Understanding Arthritis and Exercise<\/span><\/h2>\n
How Exercise Can Help Arthritis Symptoms<\/span><\/h3>\n
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General Safety Tips for Exercising With Arthritis\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Top Exercises for Arthritis<\/span><\/h2>\n
Walking\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n
Swimming<\/span><\/h3>\n
Pilates\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n
Tai Chi\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n
Yoga\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n
The Role of Proper Footwear in Exercise<\/span><\/h2>\n
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How to Pick the Right Walking Shoe<\/span><\/h2>\n
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For Everyday Walking<\/span><\/h3>\n
For More Support While Walking<\/span><\/h3>\n
Sandals Made for Walking<\/span><\/h3>\n
Recovery Shoes<\/span><\/h3>\n
Exercise Comfortably With Vionic<\/span><\/h2>\n