People walk differently. Your way of walking is not exactly as unique as your fingerprints, but it is recognizably yours. And now an international team of scientists say that the way we walk may predict our osteoarthritis risk in the future.
The way you walk is relatively unique and causes different kinds of stress to your joints, sometimes gradually leading to arthritis. Image credit: Jon Sullivan via Wikimedia
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, usually occurring in hands, knees and hips. It is often called “wear and tear” arthritis, because it is associated with ageing and physical activity (such as manual labour). Interestingly, the way we walk may contribute to our future osteoarthritis, because walking we unconsciously place pressure on certain joints.
Scientists from the University of Sydney and the University of British Columbia analysed all available literature on the relationship between the method of how people walk and the risk of developing osteoarthritis. This research included 23 studies, compiling data from over 4000 individuals
Researchers found that people’s walking patterns are highly related to the risk of osteoarthritis. For example, if an individual's knee slightly moves outwards and back in as he/she walks increases the odds of osteoarthritis worsening in the knee by nearly two times.
In fact, scientists discovered that a walking style that places more pressure on the hips and knees can contribute to future osteoarthritis. People develop their gait unconsciously and do not feel the pressure on their joints as they walk because they are used to it. But that kind of stress in the joints significantly increases the risk of osteoarthritis developing or worsening.
Nicole D’Souza, lead author of the study, said: “Osteoarthritis has no cure and is the major cause of disability and chronic pain in Australia. The findings in this study are significant, as these risk factors can be screened for in a biomechanics lab and are modifiable through certain therapies.”
In the next stage of the study scientists are going to employ a new Biomechanics Lab at the University of Sydney to scan people's walking style in 3D. This facility has 20 cameras installed. Data collected in the process will help scientists refine their findings about the problems in walking styles and, possibly, design methods to take that pressure off the joints to alleviate at least some of the osteoarthritis risk.
There is no cure for osteoarthritis. This condition can be managed, but it is going to become worse over time. Physical activity and a balanced diet are thought to be the only ways to reduce the risk. But people should also make sure their physical activity and resting patterns are in balance with their physical characteristics.
Source: University of Sydney