New Walking Technique May Delay Knee Surgery for Arthritis Sufferers

A minor adjustment to the way individuals with knee arthritis walk could potentially postpone the need for surgical intervention. Researchers in the U.S. found that this change is on par with over-the-counter pain relievers in alleviating the symptoms of osteoarthritis, which is notably the most prevalent type of arthritis in the UK.

The study indicates that altering one’s gait by angling the feet slightly inward or outward can yield benefits. A team from New York University, the University of Utah, and Stanford University examined 68 participants experiencing mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis. Half of the group received training over six sessions to walk with their feet positioned at a five to ten-degree angle, while the other half walked naturally.

Results published in The Lancet last week revealed that those who adjusted their walking reported experiencing half as much pain compared to those maintaining their usual walking pattern. This technique reduced pressure in the knee by as much as four percent, marking it as the first study to demonstrate that walking style can manage osteoarthritis symptoms.

Approximately ten million people in the UK suffer from osteoarthritis, where the cartilage in a joint deteriorates, causing bone-on-bone friction and resulting in pain and mobility issues. It’s estimated that over half of these individuals are affected in their knees, with around 100,000 knee replacement surgeries performed annually through the NHS.

Experts believe that teaching this new walking method could delay many of these surgical procedures. The authors noted that patients who undergo knee replacements at earlier stages may face a higher likelihood of needing subsequent surgeries.

Dr. Valentina Mazzoli, a professor of radiology at New York University and co-lead author of the study, pointed out the significance of these findings. “While more research is needed to confirm our results, they suggest that this new, non-invasive treatment could be beneficial in postponing surgery,” she explained. “It’s vital to personalize treatment rather than adhering to a one-size-fits-all method for osteoarthritis.”