Research
The Science of FREEDOM
Five years ago we had the opportunity to explore and test this concept in
partnership with researchers at the University of British Columbia. Here
we are five years later and have published 4 studies that have helped
give us important insights on how to best design and apply the use of
insoles and individuals experiencing medial compartment knee
osteoarthritis.
What is Medial Compartment Osteoarthritis
Knee osteoarthritis is a big public health problem affecting up to 30-million Americans. Knee OA is a disorder affecting multiple tissues in the knee but is most commonly associated with joint-cartilage wear along the medial (or the part of your knee closest to the other knee) part of the joint. When cartilage wears away, the ends of the bones rub more closely against one another resulting in joint-space narrowing. The result is pain, swelling, instability, stiffness, and sometimes, the formation of bone spurs.
What causes Osteoarthritis?
There is no definitive answer to why people experience knee OA, but certain factors are known to play a role in the onset of OA symptoms. Prior injury history is a big factor, especially for individuals with ACL reconstruction surgery. Age, body mass, leg alignment, and diet are also thought to be relevant in the incidence of this condition.