"Unloading" shoes have modified
midsoles and are meant to reduce the load, or force, placed on the knee joint
with each step, according to the manufacturer of the shoes.
A study out of Australia focused on the Gel
Melbourne OA, made by Asics, and concluded they were no better at relieving
arthritis pain than standard shoes.
According to researchers, the unloading shoes
do significantly reduce the forces on the knee joint, but wearers of the shoes
did not report more pain relief with the modified shoes when compared to
regular shoes.
Both the unloading shoes and standard shoes
improved physical function and created significant pain relief among study
participants; this led the researchers to question whether supportive lace-up
athletic shoes should become the recommended footwear.
Knee osteoarthritis results in the wearing
away of knee cartilage over time. This leads to stiffness, swelling, and pain
around the joint that can impede a person's ability to walk, climb, or even
complete tasks they do every day. It is most common after age 60.
There is no cure, so treatment focuses on
lifestyle. Doctors recommend low-impact exercise like swimming, as well as
maintaining a healthy weight or losing weight if necessary. In addition, if any
activity becomes painful, it's best to avoid it if possible.
Anti-inflammatory medications, ice, heat, and
pain relief creams may also provide relief. In addition, physical therapy can
help improve mobility and flexibility by strengthening the surrounding muscle
groups, among other things. In more severe cases, patients may undergo
surgery—from partial or total joint replacement to joint-lining removal.
Some clinicians may also suggest the use of a
knee brace, a cane, or new shoes such as standard walking shoes. The manufacturer
says unloading shoes include shock-absorbing inserts as well as
stiffer-than-normal soles. These modifications aim to reposition the foot and
reduce the load on the knee. It encourages pronation, or an inward roll of the
foot.
This study involved 160 knee arthritis
patients over the age of 49. They were split into two groups and randomly
assigned to wear conventional Asics shoes or the Asics Gel Melbourne OA.
After six months, roughly 54 percent of each
group reported improved pain levels. Forty-four percent of the unloading group
reported improved physical function compared to 48 percent of the conventional
Asics group.