There are two forms of arthritis that most commonly affect the feet making walking difficult and painful:

Rheumatoid arthritis causes inflammation of the joints at the ball of the foot. This can lead to tender calluses and ulcerations. Further rheumatoid deformity can cause the toes to cock up, which can lead to abrasion of the tops of the toes. Box-toed shoes can be extremely comfortable for persons with these deformities. Lumps of soft tissues, called nodules, can form on the sides of the foot, heel, or on the toes. Nodules can ulcerate from abrasion of shoes. Sometimes, slits cut into the shoe at the point of the nodules can help to relieve painful pressure. Furthermore, hook & loop,Velcro style closures make easier for persons with rheumatoid arthritis to fasten their shoes.

Osteoarthritis which frequently causes bunions to form the base of the big toe. High-heeled and pointed shoes should be avoided. Wider shoes will be so much more comfortable as they will take the pressure off of the bunion. Degeneration of the arch of the foot can lead to spur formation on the top of the foot. The result may be burning sensations of the foot and toes. This canbe alleviated by not tying the shoe tightly or by wearing a shoe that does not bind at the point of the spur.

Gout can cause hard deposits of uric acid crystals to form a lump at the inner side of the base of the big toe. Depending on the size of the deposit, there can be abrasion and even ulceration from the shoe. Wider style shoes can be helpful.

In general, lightweight, flat, boxy-toed, Velcro shoes can frequently bring welcome relief and improved function for patients with feet bothered by arthritis.