Improve Mobility to EASILY put on shoes with arthritis | 3 Simple Exercises

Are stiff joints making putting shoes & socks on impossible? 😣

Whether you have hip arthritis, knee arthritis, a history of a knee or hip replacement or simply have stiff joints, this figure 4 position can become difficult. It is possible to regain mobility to easily put socks and shoes on with arthritis. As a physical therapist and an osteoarthritis specialist, Dr. Alyssa Kuhn shows her top 3 favorite movements to help reduce stiffness and improve ease of this task.

The key movements you need are knee bending and hip external rotation. The movements described can help to improve both of these ranges of motion as well as a modified figure 4 position to help your body get used to it again. Joint stiffness can be tricky but with consistency you can get your joints moving again!

Remember the key to improving joint mobility and increasing ease of putting socks/shoes on is consistency. It may take a commitment over the next few weeks to see mobility increase.

Other videos you might like:

Follow us on social media:

Disclaimer: This post is for general informational purposes only. It should not be used to self-diagnose and it is not a substitute for a medical exam, cure, treatment, diagnosis, and prescription or recommendation. It does not create a doctor-patient relationship between Dr. Kuhn and you. You should not make any change in your health regimen or diet before first consulting a physician and obtaining a medical exam, diagnosis, and recommendation. Move Well Age Well, LLC and Dr. Alyssa Kuhn, PT, DPT are not liable or responsible for any advice, course of treatment, diagnosis or any conclusions drawn, services or product you obtain through this post, video or site. Complete all exercises at your own risk.

[juliaryan]

I never thought I'd be jealous watching someone put on their socks and shoes, ha! I lost this ability with my right foot with the progression of arthritis and OA in my hip this past year. Now I'm regaining mobility following Alyssa's "Keep the Adventure Alive" program. I really appreciate that she describes the ""how" and "why" of each exercise. So so so so SO grateful for her encouragement and help!

[goldencalf]

I had a back strain 6 months ago and the thing I dteaded most was putting on my shoes and socks. Thanks for the great vids. Your kindness and compassion shines thru.

[lindsaykind]

Your support is getting me through this horrible winter, so glad you are here!

[michaelbaldwin]

I so appreciate your approach to aging issues. It is very evident that you have understanding beyond your years. Great videos.

[ajk]

I'm glad I came across your videos. 73 year old male with a right hip replacement 14 years ago. I have trouble putting on compression socks especially on the right foot. I'm hoping this video will help. Cutting toe nails are an adventure, also!

[rinkichakraborty]

This is brilliant, thank you Alyssa. I have saved this and definitely sharing it with my families and friends. I am so glad and thankful that I came across your channel.

[elizabethpacheco]

Thanks so much, I had given up trying, I leave my shoes tied and use an extended shoe horse to slip them on, if they happen to untie at work I need to ask someone to tie them for me. I’m in my fifties. I will try these!
You’re a blessing !

[lukulusd]

She is so professional!!!❤There are so many not really useful video everywhere and physiotherapist, online programs most often giving amateurs advise.She knows her staff.❤

[nikkipage]

Thank you. Looking for 3 exercises to help my condition. I did really well on this till the last one with my right leg. I can get that right leg on my left knee, but oh the pain when I tried to pull that left knee in! I needed 3 to start with. These are great. I am a very poor widow. I can't tell you how much it helps to have these videos to help me. My Fibromyalgia keeps me from doing PT. I never know what days I will be wiped out. Knowing you are here gives me hope.❤

[brookeshull]

Thank you !! I am only 49 and had major leg surgery and months of recovery, only to not be able to put a sock on one foot! I have been in tears of frustration and am so thankful to see this!

[edwinamay]

Thank you Alyssa, your videos are so good and in a language everyone can follow. I have recently discovered your channel and look forward to seeing improvement in my arthritic hips.

[moonfly]

Thank you, this gives me hope and a way forward

[teresacrowley]

Alyssa you are so good. I dread putting on my socks and shoes everday and now thanks to you I believe I will conquer this problem. I watch all of your videos. I really appreciate you 🙏🙏🙏. Thanks for improving my quality of Life. 🙏🙏☘️💚

[markeyscoleman]

You are so awesome you are helping me with every part of my body that hurts and I thank God for you 💞

[ruthsnively]

Thank you, Alyssa. I consider your videos a true God You have given me hope and encouragement. I appreciate your spirit to help others.

[flsandye]

I'm preparing for a hip replacement and this has helped immensely! You are a gem ❤

[hershalchristophernovis]

Thank You, Alyssa you are a God send. For years I've been trying to put on my socks, but to no avail. I'm using my shoes without socks as I speak. I will keep doing the three exercises that you demonstrated in your video. I am confident I will succeed. Just to share that I had a left knee replacement in 2019 and I still haven't attained the range of motion to be able to put my socks on.

[shardyphotographic]

Thanks so much for the tips I've struggled for years.

[sandysue]

I have been searching for help with this issue for years! I have double hip replacements and this year, those replacements will be 12 years old. The right side is stiff, but I can get that leg up and across my left knee. The other side is the booger. That hip had way more osteo necrosis going on and for considerably longer. I lost my insurance for about 4 years, and during that time, I progressed to a cane and couldn't go up any stairs except by leading on every step with my right leg. Forget toenail clipping! I have had to get pedicures for the last 15 years or so. Currently, a nurse comes monthly to our senior center, and I book an appointment every month with her for toenail cutting. I will definitely get going on these moves along with using my foam roller stick that I just got last week. I want more range of motion back!!

[lisaarmstrong]

Anyone else out there struggling to cut toenails ?