Changing your foot angle while walking could ease knee pain and slow osteoarthritis progression, according to new research in The Lancet Rheumatology.
The study, involving NYU Langone Health, the University of Utah, and Stanford University, is the first to show that personalising a patient’s walking foot angle can reduce joint stress, relieve pain, and protect cartilage.
Osteoarthritis often affects the inner side of the knee, causing stiffness, discomfort, and mobility loss. Researchers say excess joint loading — the pressure on the knee while walking — accelerates cartilage breakdown.
By slightly angling the foot inward or outward, this pressure can be reduced, potentially delaying the need for surgery.
“Helping patients find their best foot angle may offer an easy, inexpensive way to treat early osteoarthritis,”
— Dr. Valentina Mazzoli, Lead Author.
Inside the Study
Participants: 68 adults with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis.
Method:
- Gait analysis in a motion lab.
- Computer modelling tested four angles: 5° inward, 10° inward, 5° outward, and 10° outward.
- Each patient’s optimal angle was chosen to reduce inner knee stress.
Groups:
- Intervention group: Trained over six sessions to walk with their custom foot angle.
- Control group: Continued walking naturally.
The Results After One Year
Pain Relief
- Intervention: 2.5-point pain drop (on a 10-point scale) — similar to OTC painkillers, without side effects.
- Control: Just over 1-point pain drop.
Reduced Joint Loading
- Intervention: 4% decrease in maximum knee loading.
- Control: 3% increase in knee loading.
Cartilage Protection
MRI scans showed slower cartilage degeneration in the intervention group’s inner knee.
Why It Matters
- Noninvasive: No drugs, injections, or surgery.
- Customised: Tailored to each person’s gait.
- Safe: Avoids risks linked to long-term pain medication use.
The research reflects a shift toward personalised movement therapy over one-size-fits-all orthopaedic care.
The Future of Gait Therapy
While this study used advanced motion labs, emerging AI tools can analyse gait from smartphone video — making custom walking advice more accessible.
Future trials will test if this method benefits patients with obesity or other osteoarthritis risk factors.
If validated, gait modification could become a first-line therapy for millions, preserving joint function and delaying surgery.
Q&A: Walking for Knee Health
Q: How much should I change my foot angle?
A: The study found benefits with just 5°–10° adjustments, but angles must be tailored through gait assessment.
Q: Can I try this without a lab?
A: Professional evaluation is best, but smartphone-based gait analysis tools may soon make it easier.
Q: Does this replace other treatments?
A: No. Combine it with strength training, weight control, and medical guidance.
FAQs for Quick Reference
- What causes inner knee osteoarthritis?
Often excess joint loading and cartilage wear over time. - Can walking style affect joint health?
Yes. Foot angle changes can reduce knee pressure. - Is gait modification safe for all ages?
Generally safe, but should be guided by professionals. - How soon might results appear?
Some patients noticed pain relief within months. - Could this replace surgery?
It may delay surgery, but won’t reverse severe damage.
The Bottom Line
A small change in how you place your feet could mean big relief for knee pain.
This low-cost, noninvasive approach offers new hope for those in early osteoarthritis stages — reducing pain, protecting cartilage, and possibly postponing knee replacement.
