The kinds of shoes you choose can have a big impact on your arthritis pain.

If you have arthritis in your feet, you need to pay careful attention to the shoes you choose to wear. In fact, the wrong footwear can create pain in other areas of your body too, such as the knees and the back. If you're interested in comfortable shoes that will help minimize arthritis pain, you're on the right track, according to Marian Hannan, associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School.

"People should start thinking of their shoes as a factor they can modify to help minimize pain and maximize their ability to get out and do things," she tells Arthritis Today. "The right shoe can reduce or eliminate foot pain, which has a huge impact on the body's function and mobility."

The worst shoe offenders

First off, what's the worst shoe choice you could make? Everyone agrees: for women, it's the high heel. Anything with a heel taller than 2 inches may cause you foot pain and can even wear down your joints. If you're a fan of high heels and other glamorous footwear, this can be hard to hear. But if you look, maybe you can find some kitten heels for special occasions with only the slightest of heels. There are companies that make lower high heels that cater to people with foot problems or who just want something more comfortable than a pair of stilettos. Experts say wedge heels are the best if you absolutely must wear them, and pointed toes are a no-no.

Shoes and hand pain

Other considerations for shoes and arthritis include whether you can easily tie and untie them. If you have arthritis in your hands, managing a lot of buttons or even a knot or two can be too much on some days. For this reason, you may want to look into shoes that buckle, zip or use Velcro. Don't give up just yet - there are actually fashionable styles that work this way. You're not doomed to a lifetime of white orthopedic shoes unless that's really what you'd like to wear.

If you're not sure where to start in finding shoes that will be good for your arthritis, ask your doctor for recommendations. While he or she might not know of specific shoe brands, they may be able to recommend a store in town that stocks shoes that could work best for you.

For more on dressing for arthritis:

Staying Fashionable with Arthritis
7 Tips to Protect Yourself from Falls at Home
Clothing Tips for Arthritis Patients