Healthy living
Body matters
Shoes aggravate arthritic knees
Why going barefoot may ease the pain of osteoarthritis
Wearing shoes may worsen the symptoms of knee osteoarthritis, according to researchers in Chicago, who recommend walking barefoot whenever practical.
Their study, published in the journal Arthritis and Rheumatism, assessed the effects of modern shoes on 75 men and women who suffered from knee osteoarthritis. Their average age was 59.
The subjects' gait was analysed while they were wearing their everyday walking shoes and while they were walking barefoot.
Results showed that going barefoot resulted in significant decreases in dynamic loads at the knees and hips. The researchers, from Rush Medical College, concluded that this should slow down the progression of the disease.
Osteoarthritis, which comes on gradually and causes pain and stiffness in the joints, is the most common form of arthritis in the UK. Although it can occur at any age, it most often affects those over 50.
By the age of 65, at least half of us have some OA in one or more joints. And while for many the symptoms are not serious, about one in 10 people over 65 experiences major disability as a result.
As yet, there's no cure for OA, but symptoms may be eased by:
- Regular exercise
- Physiotherapy
- Losing weight if you are overweight
- Paracetamol will often relieve the pain. Other medicines are sometimes prescribed, including steroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
- Glucosamine and chondroitin supplements seem to help some people, as do avocado/soybean supplements
Information on this site is for interest only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should consult your own doctor about any specific health concerns.
