Conventional walking shoes are about as effective as unloading shoes for improving pain and function in knee osteoarthritis. Results of a randomized, controlled trial are published in Annals of Internal Medicine.
Osteoarthritis of the knee results in pain, physical dysfunction, and reduced quality of life, and is one of the most common reasons for older people to see a doctor. Since there is no cure, self-management is the cornerstone of conservative treatment, along with exercise and weight control. Clinical guidelines for knee osteoarthritis recommend appropriate footwear as part of core treatment, which may include conventional walking shoes or unloading shoes.
