What's Happening?
A study led by researchers at NYU Langone Health, the University of Utah, and Stanford University has found that adjusting the angle of the foot during walking can reduce knee pain caused by osteoarthritis. The study involved 68 participants with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis, who were trained to walk with their feet angled slightly inward or outward. Results showed a reduction in knee loading and slower cartilage degeneration for those who adjusted their gait. The findings suggest that this noninvasive treatment could delay the need for surgery.
Why It's Important?
Osteoarthritis is a leading cause of disability in the U.S., affecting one in seven Americans. Current treatments often involve pain relievers and surgery, which can have side effects and require additional procedures over time. This study offers a potential alternative that addresses the underlying condition without medication. By personalizing foot angle adjustments, patients may experience significant pain relief and reduced disease progression, potentially lowering healthcare costs and improving quality of life.
What's Next?
The researchers plan to expand their study to include individuals with obesity and test artificial intelligence tools that can identify effective walking methods for osteoarthritis patients. These tools could make gait analysis more accessible in clinical settings, further advancing personalized treatment options.
Beyond the Headlines
The study highlights the importance of personalized medicine and the potential of non-pharmaceutical interventions in managing chronic conditions. It also underscores the role of technology, such as AI, in enhancing healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.
