Advances in Insoles and Shoes for Knee Osteoarthritis

Abstract and Introduction

Abstract

Purpose of Review: This review highlights recent research findings, including their clinical application, for insoles and footwear in knee osteoarthritis. In particular, it examines their effect on knee load, osteoarthritis symptoms and disease progression.
Recent Findings: Increased joint loading increases the risk of osteoarthritis progression, but is amenable to change. Given the prevalence of medial compartment osteoarthritis, insoles and footwear largely aim to reduce the knee adduction moment, an indicator of medial compartment load. Lateral wedged insoles can reduce this moment but do not appear to slow disease progression. Although nonexperimental and quasiexperimental studies report favourable effects of lateral wedges on symptoms, clinical trials have not been confirmatory. Medial wedged insoles show promise in relieving symptoms of lateral compartment disease. Walking in shoes increases joint load compared with walking in barefeet. Shoes with a flat or low heel and that are flexible rather than stabilizing may be optimal; however, effects of off-the-shelf shoes on osteoarthritis symptoms are unknown. Promising shoe modifications include shoes that promote foot mobility and those with variable stiffness or laterally wedged soles.
Summary: Insoles and footwear offer great potential, as simple, inexpensive-treatment strategies for knee osteoarthritis. Further research is needed to evaluate efficacy and to determine which patient subgroups are most responsive.

Introduction

Knee osteoarthritis is a chronic joint disorder predominantly affecting older individuals. As there is no cure, traditional management aims to reduce pain, improve function and enhance quality-of-life while minimizing adverse effects of therapy. Nonpharmacological conservative interventions, such as insoles and shoes, are considered the first-line approach to disease management. However, given that a significant proportion of knee osteoarthritis cases demonstrate disease progression, contemporary management also aims to reduce the risk of structural deterioration. Research over the past decade demonstrates that increased knee joint loading is an important risk factor for progression. The knee adduction moment (Figure 1) is widely accepted as an indicator of medial compartment load and, as such, offers a potential target for treatment strategies to slow disease course over time. This review aims to highlight recent research findings, including their clinical application, for insoles and footwear in knee osteoarthritis. In particular, it will examine their effect on knee load, osteoarthritis symptoms and disease progression.

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Figure 1.

Representation of the knee adduction moment.

Cite this: Advances in Insoles and Shoes for Knee Osteoarthritis - Medscape - Mar 01, 2009.

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