Reducing joint loading in medial knee osteoarthritis: Shoes and Canes

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Increased medial knee loading is associated with a much higher risk of disease progression in knee osteoarthritis (OA). Interventions that can reduce medial knee joint load have the potential to slow disease progression over time. We evaluated the effects of shoes and a cane on knee load in people with knee OA. METHODS: Forty people with medial knee OA underwent 3-dimensional gait analysis to measure their peak knee adduction moment, an indicator of medial knee joint load. Results when walking in bare feet were compared with those obtained when walking in their own usual shoes. Twenty participants also underwent testing using a cane, and results were compared with walking unaided...