This walking style can help relieve arthritis knee pain
By: Priyanka Palta
Researchers say a simple adjustment in walking style can ease knee pain from osteoarthritis as effectively as medication, and even delay surgery.
A small step, a big relief
The condition affects nearly one in four adults worldwide.
It happens when the cartilage cushioning the bones wears down, causing stiffness, pain, and limited mobility.
Osteoarthritis – a growing problem
There is no cure for osteoarthritis.
Existing options focus on pain management with drugs or eventual joint replacement surgery.
Current treatments not enough
Scientists at the University of Utah tested gait retraining - teaching people to walk with a slightly adjusted foot angle to reduce stress on the knee joint.
Gait retraining as a solution
Each participant was given a customised walking style.
Depending on their natural gait, they were told to turn their toes slightly inward or outward by 5 or 10 degrees.
Customised walking adjustments
Motion-capture cameras and pressure-sensitive treadmills measured the best walking adjustment.
Those unlikely to benefit were excluded from the trial.
Testing with technology
Participants wore shin devices that vibrated to guide them when they walked incorrectly.
They were encouraged to practise 20 minutes daily until it became natural.
Real-time feedback
Compared with the placebo group, those who changed their gait reported less knee pain and showed slower cartilage damage on MRI scans.
Strong results after one year
Researchers said the pain relief was comparable to what patients get from over-the-counter drugs like ibuprofen, and in some cases, close to stronger painkillers.
As effective as medication
Future tech like smart shoes and phone sensors may make gait retraining widely available.
Availability of devices
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This walking style can help relieve arthritis knee pain
This walking style can help relieve arthritis knee pain By: Priyanka Palta Researchers say a simple adjustment in walking style can ease knee pain from osteoarthritis as effectively as medication, and even delay surgery. A small step, a big relief The condition affects nearly one in four adults worldwide. It happens when the cartilage cushioning the bones wears down, causing stiffness, pain, and limited mobility. Osteoarthritis – a growing problem There is no cure for osteoarthritis. Existing options focus on pain management with drugs or eventual joint replacement surgery. Current treatments not enough Scientists at the University of Utah tested gait retraining - teaching people to walk with a slightly adjusted foot angle to reduce stress on the knee joint. Gait retraining as a solution Each participant was given a customised walking style. Depending on their natural gait, they were told to turn their toes slightly inward or outward by 5 or 10 degrees. Customised walking adjustments Motion-capture cameras and pressure-sensitive treadmills measured the best walking adjustment. Those unlikely to benefit were excluded from the trial. Testing with technology Participants wore shin devices that vibrated to guide them when they walked incorrectly. They were encouraged to practise 20 minutes daily until it became natural. Real-time feedback Compared with the placebo group, those who changed their gait reported less knee pain and showed slower cartilage damage on MRI scans. Strong results after one year Researchers said the pain relief was comparable to what patients get from over-the-counter drugs like ibuprofen, and in some cases, close to stronger painkillers. As effective as medication Future tech like smart shoes and phone sensors may make gait retraining widely available. Availability of devices
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