Slightly changing how you position your feet while walking could significantly ease knee pain caused by osteoarthritis, according to a US study published in The Lancet Rheumatology.
Changing the angle of your feet by pointing them slightly inward or outward can reduce stress on the knee joint, slow cartilage degeneration, ease pain, improve knee function and potentially delay the progression of knee osteoarthritis.
How was the study conducted?
In the study, 68 participants with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis walked on a treadmill while their gait was recorded. A computer programme analysed their walking patterns and calculated how much stress they were placing on their knees.
Researchers then generated computer models of four new foot positions angled either 5 or 10 degrees inward or outward to determine which adjustment would best reduce stress for each person.
Participants were randomly assigned to two groups: one group received training over six sessions to walk using their optimal foot angle, while the control group continued walking normally.
The result
After one year, those who adjusted their gait saw a 4 per cent reduction in knee stress, compared to a 3 per cent increase in those who maintained their usual walking style. The adjusted group also reported a 2.5-point drop in pain on a 10-point scale, which is comparable to the relief provided by pain medications. They also experienced improved knee function.
“This approach offers a simple, low-cost option for managing early-stage osteoarthritis,” said the study’s co-lead author, noting that it could reduce dependence on painkillers and delay the need for knee replacement surgery.
