Reducing Joint Loading and Preventing Osteoarthritis with Proper Footwear Choices in India
Journal of Clinical Orthopaedics | Vol 10 | Issue 1 | January-June 2025 | page: 45-47 | Sudip Bhattacharya, Vishal Kumar, Sachin Kale, Abhishek Bhati, Aditya Vyas, Moin Darvesh
DOI: https://doi.org/10.13107/jcorth.2025.v10i01.714
Open Access License: CC BY-NC 4.0
Copyright Statement: Copyright © 2025; The Author(s).
Submitted Date: 15 March 2025, Review Date: 24 April 2025, Accepted Date: 29 May 2025 & Published Date: 30 Jun 2025
Author: Sudip Bhattacharya [1], Vishal Kumar [2], Sachin Kale [3], Abhishek Bhati [3], Aditya Vyas [3], Moin Darvesh [3]
[1] Department of Community and Family Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Deoghar, Jharkhand, India,
[2] Department of Orthopaedics PGIMER, Chandigarh, India,
[3] Department of Orthopaedics, D Y Patil School of Medicine and Hospital Nerul Navi Mumbai, India
Address of Correspondence
Dr Sudip Bhattacharya,
All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Deoghar, Jharkhand, India.
Email: drsudip81@gmail.com
Abstract
The abstract outlines a comprehensive study on the increasing prevalence of osteoarthritis (OA) in India from 1990 to 2019. The number of affected individuals rose from 23.46 million to 62.35 million during this period. Standardized OA prevalence per 100,000 people also saw an increase, along with Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) attributed to OA, highlighting the growing burden of the condition. Knee OA emerged as the most widespread form, with higher prevalence, incidence, and DALYs observed in females compared to males. The present OA management primarily focuses on symptom alleviation rather than addressing the underlying biomechanical stress. Research indicates that abnormal dynamic loads during walking contribute to joint damage, and reducing these loads can provide relief from symptoms. This opinion emphasizes the significant impact of modern footwear on knee loads, particularly in individuals with symptomatic knee OA. Cheaper, budget-friendly footwear often lacks proper cushioning and ergonomics, potentially worsening knee joint issues over time. To address the issue, a multi-pronged approach is proposed. Government subsidies and incentives, Public-Private Partnerships, indigenous research and development, public awareness campaigns, and community clinics are suggested strategies to make ergonomically designed footwear more affordable and accessible. In addition, offering affordable orthotic inserts and encouraging local shoemakers and small-scale manufacturers can contribute to this effort. We concluded by emphasizing the importance of quality assurance in ensuring that low-cost ergonomic footwear meets essential ergonomic criteria. Overall, the proposed strategies aim to reduce the burden of knee osteoarthritis in India and improve public foot health.
Keywords: Osteoarthritis, Gait, Posture.
References
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| How to Cite this article: Bhattacharya S, Kumar V, Kale S, Bhati A, Vyas A, Darvesh M. Reducing Joint Loading and Preventing Osteoarthritis with Proper Footwear Choices in India. Journal of Clinical Orthopaedics January-June 2025;10(1):45-47. |
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