Beware Fitflops - Knee issues.

[teta]

I’ve recently been having major knee problems. My knees have been hurting in bed at night, especially when I turn over. I could hardly walk down the stairs in the morning my knees were so stiff. I’ve nearly fallen over several times due to having a stiff ankle and not lifting my foot off the ground properly. I thought it was arthritis caused by a menopausal hormone drop.I had also become aware that my ‘gait’ has changed and I’ve generally been feeling old and knackered. I’ve been wearing fitflops for years and wear them at home instead of slippers.
For some reason something prompted me to ditch the fitflops. I’ve been wearing shoes with arch support for the last week. I don’t have any knee pain any more and can now walk normally. I’m astounded that my stiffness was caused by Fitflops.
Just beware if any of you have the same issue.

A bit off tack, but don't just put up with knee problems etc and think that nothing can be done. See a physiotherapist (preferably one who specialises in the particular problem). I am speaking from experience - my dodgy knee was sorted out for the price of a couple of pairs of shoes.

I wonder - with no biomechanical knowledge to my comment - whether your knee pain was because your body was actually being pushed back into better alignment with supportive FFs, and when you wear less formed shoes it slips back into the compensatory pose it was used to?

I am one of many who finds FF to be a blessed relief (plantar fasciitis here), but as the saying goes, we should all walk a mile in someone else's shoes (but don't forget to go back and return them after )

Reading up on fitflops Shotsfired they are well known for causing knee and ankle issues. The soft spongy sole whilst helping plantar fasciitis are no good for stabilising the knee and ankle joints. Also do not wear fitflops if you have flat feet apparently.I’ve been wearing fitflops since they came out - so for literally years and years because they were so comfortable.
I’m now wearing shoes with an in-built orthotic support and my feet are at last in correct alignment.
Yes misscockerspaniel that’s a good point. My osteopath kept on pointing out i had Issues with my knees.

I’ve had problems with my ankle (anterior ankle pain) after spending two days literally living in and touring with my fitflop sandals. After seeing your post, I felt compelled to respond as I think these sandals caused the pain .. I was fine after I had switched to normal shoes the day after. After reading your post I’m now wondering if my knee and hip pains are linked to these sandals rather than symptoms of the menopause 😬. Suffice to say,I won’t be wearing mine anymore !

totally love my fitflops...well into meno and certainly no knee or ankle issues. i wear the sporty runners made of uberknit. i have had planters fascitis and find these really helpful.

I've been living in fitflops and leather sandals all summer and my feet are knackered. Now that it's cooler I have switched back to lace up shoes and my feet are so much better.

I think fitflops make you cramp your foot to keep the grip between the toes which then seizes up the muscles. Normal shoes with a low heel are best for posture. I used to work in a school and the Head of Pastoral was a dragon for implementing the One Inch Heel rule for girls -ie no sliders/ballet pumps- not because she was evil, but because she wanted the girls to avoid getting back & foot problems when they were older.

Are we discussing the brand Fitflop or flip flops toe thong sandals?

teta what shoes (that have an inbuilt orthotic support) did you buy?

Fitflops

Vionic shoes bean. They’re brilliant.

Thank you teta