Small Gait Changes May Help Alleviate Knee Osteoarthritis Pain

Small Gait Modifications Could Reduce Osteoarthritis Symptoms

Osteoarthritis, a common degenerative joint condition especially affecting individuals over 40, can cause significant pain and mobility issues. While there is no cure, management strategies include weight control, physical activity, and medications. Recent research suggests that modifying how you walk may be as effective as medications in managing knee osteoarthritis.

A study published in The Lancet Rheumatology found that changing the angle of your foot during walking can reduce knee pain and slow joint degeneration. This gait retraining involves adjusting foot progression by 5 to 10 degrees, and has shown promising results in reducing pain levels and cartilage deterioration.

Valentina Mazzoli, PhD, emphasized that gait retraining offers a notable pain reduction comparable to medication without side effects. However, making personalized gait adjustments requires specialized analysis and equipment. Advances in AI technology are expected to make gait modification more accessible for patients in the future.

While gait retraining is promising, experts note that it can be complex and requires professional guidance, but it may represent a non-pharmacological alternative to manage osteoarthritis effectively.

Key Takeaways:

• Gait adjustments can significantly reduce knee osteoarthritis pain.
• Personalized gait retraining may slow cartilage degeneration.
• Technological advances could make this therapy widely available.

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