University of Sydney scientists link improper walking with risk of osteoarthritis
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Scientists at the University of Sydney have discovered that improper walking with excessive stress on the hips and knees can lead to the premature development of osteoarthritis, an incurable disease that leads to chronic pain and disability. The unexpected danger of walking is reported in an article published in the journal Osteoarthritis and Cartilage.
Experts analyzed data from 23 scientific studies, which involved more than four thousand people, to identify links between different types of joint movements involved in walking, and their relationship with the progression of osteoarthritis. This allowed the scientists to create a detailed model of the knee joint displacement during stride. It turned out that if the knee moves first outward and then inward when walking, then the risk of exacerbation of osteoarthritis doubles.
Scientists are currently developing methods to reduce the dangerous stress on the joints in patients with knee osteoarthritis in order to slow the progression of the disease. Researchers are also studying the effects of different walking styles on arthritis prevention.
