Walking Style Could Delay or Eliminate Need for Knee Replacements, Research Suggests
Stockholm, Sweden – A new study from the university of Utah, coupled with ongoing Swedish research, suggests that modifying walking patterns could considerably alleviate osteoarthritis pain adn potentially delay or even eliminate the need for knee replacement surgery for the over half a million Swedes currently diagnosed with the condition. The findings offer a promising alternative for the many in their 50s facing decades of pain before becoming eligible for prostheses.
Currently, accurate assessment of gait requires expensive motion analysis and specialized cameras. Researchers envision a future where physiotherapists utilize mobile phone cameras or “smart shoes” to create personalized walking profiles for patients.
Swedish institutions have long championed exercise as a primary treatment for osteoarthritis. The karolinska Institutet has demonstrated that both high- and low-impact training improves pain, quality of life, and knee function. Lund University has developed neuromuscular training (Nemex) to strengthen patients preparing for surgery, while the Swedish Osteoarthritis School (BoA program) provides nationwide training that frequently enough reduces reliance on medication and surgical intervention.
“The conclusion is the same on both sides of the Atlantic: the body can heal itself – only you use it correctly,” the article states.
osteoarthritis is characterized by stiffness, pain, and limited mobility, often making simple tasks like climbing stairs tough. Swedish basic treatment already centers on osteoarthritis management and training through the BoA program. The American study adds a potential new component: optimizing walking style as a therapeutic tool.
Sources: The Lancet Rheumatology, University of Utah, Karolinska Institutet, Lund University, Medical magazine.
