No pills, no surgery: Scientists uncover simple arthritis pain relief method

From thehealthsite.com

Researchers found a simple walking adjustment which may significantly reduce arthritis pain, improve joint function and potentially slow knee damage without needing medication, injections or surgery

Almost 25 per cent of older adults typically aged 40 and above suffer from painful osteoarthritis which is a condition that can make simple tasks such as walking, climbing stairs or standing for extended periods hard. Over time, the disease deteriorates the cartilage that provides cushioning for the joints and once the damage occurs there is no way to reverse.

While the standard approach for treatment often focuses on pain relief or replacement surgery for the joint, a new study claims that as simple as changing the way people walk can help reduce pain and slow joint damage. The team of researchers from the University of Utah, New York University and Stanford University found that personalized gait retraining was quite effective when it comes to easing symptoms for individuals with knee osteoarthritis.

                                                                                                                (Image: AI Generated)

The study published in The Lancet Rheumatology was based on modifying walking style examining how the angle of the foot changes during gait. Participants were instructed to turn their toes slightly inwards or outwards depending on what caused the least pressure on their knee joint. Explaining the concept Scott Uhlrich, study co-lead said, "We've known that for people with osteoarthritis, higher loads in their knee accelerate progression and that changing the foot angle can reduce knee load. So the idea of a biomechanical intervention is not new, but there have not been randomized, placebo-controlled studies to show that they're effective."

Why personalisation matters

Osteoarthritis often occurs on the inside of the knee as it is subjected to more body weight. Although the adjustments for walking do not work for all patients some participants found that setting their toes slightly inwards helped while others found it helpful when turned outwards.

According to Uhlrich, past studies have been unsuccessful because the same walking protocol was used for all participants. He explained, "Each person's new walking pattern was customized to him or her and helped increase the amount of weight individuals could offload from their knee, which was likely a factor in the positive knee cartilage and pain results we observed."

How the trial was conducted

The trial included 68 people with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis. Participants' walking patterns were initially evaluated on the basis of MRI, pressure-sensitive treadmills and motion capture cameras. Afterwards they received six weeks of gait training sessions during which they were instructed to keep their designated foot angle with vibration feedback devices placed on their shin.

The participants were instructed to walk for at least 20 minutes a day after the training period to make the movement automatic. The results showed that after a year the participants in the real gait retraining group experienced similar pain relief as with common medications. MRI scans also revealed lower deterioration of cartilage health markers in the group compared to the placebo group.

Even though results were promising, researchers emphasized that patients shouldn't try to alter their gait on their own without professional help. The incorrect foot angle may cause more stress to the knee rather than less.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to arthritis treatment or exercise routines.

https://www.thehealthsite.com/diseases-conditions/no-pills-no-surgery-scientists-uncover-simple-arthritis-pain-relief-method-1325959/