Comparing Pain and Kinematic Outcomes of Two Gait-Modifying Shoe Interventions

Inclusion Criteria: * Chronic, OA-related knee pain * Diagnosis of medial compartment knee OA (unilateral or bilateral) * Moderate pain of ≥4 out of 10 points while performing a weight-bearing activity * Kellgren and Lawrence score of 2, 3, or 4 evidenced on routine, standard-of-care x-ray within the last 2 years prior to enrollment * Able to walk unassisted for at least 10 minutes at a time * Wear a Women's shoe size of 6.5 to 13 or a Men's shoe size of 5 to 12. Exclusion Criteria: * Patients suffering from acute septic or inflammatory arthritis * Unstable cardiovascular, orthopaedic, or neurological conditions, uncontrolled diabetes, or any condition that would preclude exercise in moderate duration, moderate workload trials * Received a corticosteroid injection or invasive procedures within prior 6 months of the study * History of avascular necrosis in the knee * History of knee buckling * Joint replacement in any lower extremity joint that has not optimally recovered (e.g. still causes significant pain or affects mobility) as determined by the PI. * Experienced more than 3 falls within the last year * Currently using any knee brace on a regular basis for the knee pain, with the exception of basic knee sleeves * Pathological osteoporotic fracture * Severe symptomatic degenerative arthritis in lower limb joints other than the knees * Severe back pain, prior spinal fusion or spinal deformity that would affect gait * Major cardiac or pulmonary conditions and any orthopedic limitation that precludes their ability to independently walk for 10 minutes or longer * Knee flexion contracture greater than 15° * Knee flexion of less than 90° * Any major injury to either knee within the prior 12 months * Currently enrolled in a supervised physical therapy program