Illustration symbolizing the combined effects of knee brace, insole, and toe-out gait for knee osteoarthritis relief.

Struggling with Knee Osteoarthritis? Discover the Power of Combined Therapies

Mira Elwood in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"A new study reveals how knee braces, insoles, and gait adjustments work together to reduce joint stress and improve your mobility."

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) stands as a significant health challenge worldwide, impacting millions with pain and limited mobility. The condition, characterized by the gradual breakdown of joint cartilage, leads to pain, stiffness, and decreased quality of life. Managing knee OA effectively requires a multifaceted approach, and recent research is shedding light on the potential benefits of combining different conservative therapies.

Traditionally, treatments for knee OA have included options such as pain medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle adjustments like weight management and exercise. However, many individuals seek additional relief and improved function through non-surgical interventions. These include knee braces, laterally wedged insoles, and gait retraining techniques, each designed to address specific biomechanical factors contributing to joint stress.

A groundbreaking study has explored the combined effects of these conservative treatments, offering new insights into how they can work synergistically to reduce knee adduction moment (KAM)—a key indicator of joint load—and improve balance, potentially reducing the risk of falls. This article delves into the findings of this research, providing you with practical knowledge to discuss treatment options with your healthcare provider and take proactive steps toward managing your knee OA.

Unlocking Synergistic Relief: How Combined Therapies Can Transform Knee Osteoarthritis Management

Illustration symbolizing the combined effects of knee brace, insole, and toe-out gait for knee osteoarthritis relief.

The study, published in Prosthetics and Orthotics International, investigated the impact of combining a knee brace (KB), laterally wedged insole (LWI), and toe-out gait (TO) on knee adduction moment (KAM) and fall risk in individuals with moderate medial knee OA. KAM, which reflects the load on the medial compartment of the knee, is a critical target for interventions aimed at slowing disease progression and alleviating symptoms. Researchers hypothesized that combining these therapies would lead to a greater reduction in KAM compared to using them individually.

Participants underwent gait analysis under six randomized conditions:

Natural walking
Walking with a knee brace
Knee brace + toe-out gait
Laterally wedged insole
Laterally wedged insole + toe-out gait
Knee brace + laterally wedged insole + toe-out gait

Fall risk was assessed using the Biodex Balance System, which measures stability under various dynamic conditions. The study also evaluated the participants’ comfort levels under each condition. The findings revealed a significant reduction in both first and second peak KAM when all three interventions—knee brace, laterally wedged insole, and toe-out gait—were combined. This suggests a synergistic effect, where the combined therapies offer greater benefit than any single treatment alone.

Empowering Your Journey to Pain Relief: Practical Takeaways and Future Directions

This research offers a promising outlook for individuals seeking comprehensive, non-surgical management of knee OA. By understanding the synergistic potential of combining knee braces, laterally wedged insoles, and gait adjustments, you can engage in informed discussions with your healthcare provider to develop a tailored treatment plan. While the study highlights the benefits of combined therapies in reducing joint load, it also underscores the importance of considering potential impacts on balance and comfort. Future research should explore long-term outcomes and refine these combined approaches to maximize benefits and minimize risks, ultimately empowering individuals to live more active and pain-free lives.

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This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1177/0309364618796849, Alternate LINK

Title: Combined Effects Of Knee Brace, Laterally Wedged Insoles, And Toe-Out Gait On Knee Adduction Moment And Fall Risk In Moderate Medial Knee Osteoarthritis Patients

Subject: Rehabilitation

Journal: Prosthetics & Orthotics International

Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)

Authors: Saad Jawaid Khan, Soobia Saad Khan, Juliana Usman, Abdul Halim Mokhtar, Noor Azuan Abu Osman

Published: 2019-04-01

Everything You Need To Know

What exactly is knee osteoarthritis (OA)?

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a condition where the cartilage in your knee joint breaks down over time, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. This can significantly impact your quality of life. The breakdown of cartilage causes the bones to rub against each other, resulting in inflammation and discomfort. Effectively managing Knee OA involves addressing these symptoms and slowing down the progression of the disease. The study in Prosthetics and Orthotics International highlights the importance of a multifaceted approach to manage the condition.

How do knee braces, laterally wedged insoles, and gait adjustments work?

Knee braces work by providing support and stability to the knee joint, which can help reduce pain and improve function. Laterally wedged insoles are designed to shift the alignment of your foot and ankle, reducing stress on the inside of the knee. Gait adjustments, such as toe-out gait, involve changing how you walk to minimize the load on the knee joint. The study showed the combined use of knee braces, laterally wedged insoles, and toe-out gait can reduce the knee adduction moment (KAM), a key indicator of joint load, and improve balance.

What is the knee adduction moment (KAM) and why is it important?

The knee adduction moment (KAM) is a measurement of the force acting on the inner (medial) side of the knee joint. It reflects the load experienced by the joint during activities like walking. High KAM is associated with increased stress on the joint and can contribute to the progression of knee osteoarthritis. By combining therapies like knee braces, laterally wedged insoles, and gait adjustments, the study aimed to reduce KAM, thereby potentially slowing the advancement of the condition and alleviating symptoms.

What were the key findings of the study regarding the combined therapies?

The study combined knee braces, laterally wedged insoles, and toe-out gait. A Biodex Balance System was used to measure fall risk under different conditions. Researchers found that combining all three interventions provided the most significant reduction in KAM, compared to each intervention used separately. This suggests a synergistic effect, where the combined treatments offer greater benefit than any single one. This combined approach shows promise in managing symptoms and reducing risks associated with Knee OA.

What are the implications of these findings for those managing Knee OA?

The implications of these findings are significant for individuals seeking non-surgical treatment options for Knee OA. The study highlights the potential for improved outcomes when using combined therapies like knee braces, laterally wedged insoles, and gait adjustments. By understanding how these interventions work together, individuals can have informed discussions with healthcare providers about treatment plans, which is vital to addressing the multifaceted nature of Knee OA. Future research should look at long-term outcomes of these combined approaches, and refine the methodologies to minimize risks and maximize benefits for those affected by Knee OA.