title: Effects of footwear on medial compartment knee osteoarthritis.
abstract: This pilot study investigated whether lateral-wedge insoles inserted into shock-absorbing walking shoes altered joint pain, stiffness, and physical function in patients with symptomatic medial compartment knee osteoarthritis (OA). Twenty-eight subjects wore full-length lateral-wedge insoles with an incline of 4 degrees in their walking shoes for 4 weeks. Pain, stiffness, and functional status were measured with the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) Osteoarthritis Index at baseline and 4 weeks postintervention. Significant improvements were observed in all three WOMAC subscales (pain, stiffness, and function). Pain scores were significantly reduced for the most challenging activity-stair climbing. Subjects wore insoles daily and tolerated them well. The results of this study indicated that lateral-wedge insoles inserted into shock-absorbing walking shoes are an effective treatment for medial compartment knee OA.
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, USA. meika.fang@med.va.gov
authors.forename: Meika A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Fang
authors.forename: Connie E
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Taylor
authors.forename: Aksone
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Nouvong
authors.forename: Sulabha
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Masih
authors.forename: Kaly C
authors.initials: KC
authors.lastname: Kao
authors.forename: Karen L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Perell
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D020370:Osteoarthritis, Knee / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012775:Shoes