An exploration of footwear preferences, attitudes and beliefs in people with knee osteoarthritis: A qualitative study
Although footwear can improve pain and function in individuals with knee osteoarthritis (OA), perspectives about footwear in this population have not been explored. This qualitative study explored preferences, attitudes and beliefs about footwear in adults with knee OA. Twenty individuals with a cli...
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| Published in: | Musculoskeletal science & practice 2024-08, Vol.72, p.102948-102948, Article 102948 |
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , , , |
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | eng |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | Get full text |
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| Summary: | Although footwear can improve pain and function in individuals with knee osteoarthritis (OA), perspectives about footwear in this population have not been explored.
This qualitative study explored preferences, attitudes and beliefs about footwear in adults with knee OA.
Twenty individuals with a clinical diagnosis of knee OA (aged 45–79 years, 65% women) participated in semi-structured interviews about factors which influence footwear selection, the effect of footwear on knee symptoms, and footwear modifications. Data were analysed thematically.
Four themes, with sub-themes, were identified: i) there are specific footwear characteristics people look for, with comfort as their top priority; ii) shoe appearance is important; iii) footwear can aggravate or ease symptoms; and iv) people with knee OA find footwear in a variety of ways. Participants related built-in arch support, a cushioned insole and low/no heel, without addition of foot orthoses, to comfort, and were willing to pay more for comfort and quality. Appearance was also a consideration, and participants indicated they would tolerate short periods of symptom aggravation for aesthetic shoes. Participants felt that footwear choice affected their knee symptoms and risk of slipping/twisting. Participants reported that their footwear choices were determined through trial-and-error, and sometimes on advice from health professionals or shoe store salespersons.
There are specific footwear features important to individuals with knee OA. Knowledge of these features can be used by health professionals to inform footwear discussions with knee OA patients and serve as considerations when developing footwear targeted for this population.
•Comfort is the most important footwear consideration for people with knee OA.•Arch support, cushioned insole, and low/no heel are footwear features for comfort.•Footwear influences knee OA symptoms and protects against slips, trips and falls.•People with knee OA accept symptom-aggravation for footwear appearance at times.•People find footwear in a variety of ways, commonly using trial-and-error. |
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| ISSN: | 2468-7812 2468-7812 |