Knee osteoarthritis is a common condition that affects many people worldwide. It is characterized by the gradual deterioration of the cartilage in the knee joint, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. One of the strategies often used to manage this condition is the use of lateral wedge insoles. These are special shoe inserts that are designed to redistribute the weight on the foot, thereby reducing the load on the knee joint and alleviating pain.
There are two types of lateral wedge insoles: standalone and those incorporating individualized arch support. Standalone insoles are simply wedges that are placed in the shoe, while those with arch support are custom-made to fit the individual’s foot shape. Both types have been extensively studied for their effects on knee joint loading and pain in people with knee osteoarthritis.
The effectiveness of these insoles, however, can vary from person to person. This is where the concept of ‘biomechanical response’ comes in. In simple terms, biomechanical response refers to how the body reacts to the use of the insoles. It can be measured in various ways, such as changes in gait (the way a person walks), changes in knee joint loading (the amount of weight the knee has to bear), and changes in pain levels.
The question then arises: can we predict who will respond well to these insoles and who will not? This is a crucial question because if we can predict the response, we can tailor the treatment more effectively, saving time, effort, and resources.
The article at hand explores this question by looking at clinically-accessible and laboratory-derived predictors of biomechanical response to standalone and supported lateral wedge insoles. Clinically-accessible predictors are those that can be easily obtained in a clinical setting, such as a patient’s age, weight, or the severity of their osteoarthritis. Laboratory-derived predictors, on the other hand, are those that require more specialized equipment to measure, such as gait analysis or imaging studies.
The study’s findings could have significant implications for the management of knee osteoarthritis. If certain predictors are found to be reliable, they could be used to guide the prescription of lateral wedge insoles. For example, if a particular predictor suggests that a patient is likely to respond well to standalone insoles, then the clinician could prescribe these first, before considering more expensive or invasive options.
Furthermore, understanding these predictors could also shed light on the underlying mechanisms of how lateral wedge insoles work. This could lead to the development of even more effective interventions in the future.
In conclusion, the use of lateral wedge insoles is a promising strategy for managing knee osteoarthritis. However, their effectiveness can vary from person to person. By identifying clinically-accessible and laboratory-derived predictors of biomechanical response, we can tailor the treatment more effectively and potentially improve the quality of life for people with knee osteoarthritis. This study represents an important step in that direction.
To read the full journal article, head to https://jfootankleres.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13047-023-00671-7