Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee is one of the most common joint conditions in the world, affecting millions of people and often leading to chronic pain and reduced mobility. While aging, genetics, and previous injuries have long been known contributors, a new study is shedding light on another key factor: how we walk.
The Study: Gait and Knee Osteoarthritis
Researchers recently found that certain walking patterns—especially those that increase joint stress—may significantly contribute to the development or worsening of knee osteoarthritis. The study used motion analysis and force sensors to monitor participants' gait (the way they walk), revealing that subtle differences in foot placement, hip motion, and stride length could increase the load on the inner or outer part of the knee joint.
Key findings:
- People who over-rotate their hips or roll their feet excessively inward (overpronation) often experience more stress on the knees.
- A shortened stride or stiff gait can reduce the knee’s natural shock absorption, increasing wear over time.
- Uneven gait caused by leg length differences, pelvic tilt, or spinal misalignments may worsen OA symptoms. This is a finding that Drs. Olson and Walker continually find and correct.
This research suggests that how we move every day plays a bigger role than previously thought—and small adjustments in walking mechanics may reduce knee pain and slow OA progression.
Where Does Edgemont Chiropractic Clinic’s Chiropractic Care Come In?
You might be wondering: Can a chiropractor really help with knee osteoarthritis? The answer is: absolutely—especially when it comes to improving your biomechanics.
Drs. Olson and Walker are trained to assess the musculoskeletal system holistically. That means they look beyond just the knees to identify misalignments or movement issues in your hips, pelvis, spine, and feet that could be contributing to uneven gait or joint stress.
Here's how chiropractic care may help:
- Gait Analysis - Drs. Olson and Walker can perform postural and gait assessments to identify imbalances or compensations in how you walk.
- Spinal & Pelvic Alignment - A misaligned spine or pelvis can cause uneven leg length or muscle compensation, putting extra stress on the knees. The finding most seen by Drs. Olson and Walker is a rotated (pelvic) Sacro Iliac joint complex. This finding is often created by driving, leg crossing, stomach sleeping and falls. It’s a simple condition to correct that realigns the Sacro Iliac joints, changing the hip and knee positions, affecting how the foot is placed with each step.
- Joint Mobilization & Soft Tissue Therapy Chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue work, and mobilization techniques can help restore proper movement in the hips, ankles, and spine—reducing strain on the knees.
- Custom Orthotics If flat feet or overpronation are part of the problem, our chiropractors can recommend that you consider orthotics to improve foot alignment and reduce stress on the knees during walking.
- Rehab Exercises Drs Olson and Walker will incorporate therapeutic exercises designed to strengthen the muscles supporting your knees and improve balance and coordination.
What This Means for You
If you're living with knee osteoarthritis—or even just noticing some stiffness or discomfort when walking—this new research highlights the importance of addressing the root causes of joint stress, not just the symptoms. Your knees don’t work in isolation. They're part of a chain that includes your feet, hips, and spine. Drs. Olson and Walker are uniquely positioned to evaluate and treat the entire musculoskeletal system, making them a valuable ally in both managing and potentially slowing the progression of knee OA.
Bottom Line:
A new study has confirmed what chiropractors have long known: how you walk matters. And if your gait is contributing to your knee pain, Edgemont Chiropractic Clinic’s chiropractic care could offer a drug-free, non-invasive solution to help you move better—and feel better.
Dr. Christopher Walker
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