ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of lateral heel and sole wedges on osteoarthritis of knees. METHOD: Sixty patients with knee osteoarthritis were enrolled and divided into the control (n=30) and wedge (n=30) groups. The control group received only conventional therapy for 5 weeks, while the wedge group took lateral wedges with 4 mm height in additional to the same conventional therapy. Intensity of pain and funtional activity were assessed by Western Ontario and Mac-Master Universities Osteoarthritis index (WOMAC index) and Lequesne s index. Scanogram was measured to assess femorotibial anglechange. WOMAC index, Lequesne's index and scanogram were measured before and 6 months after the therapy. RESULTS: For the wedge group, WOMAC index and Lequesne's index were significantly lower at the six month follow up compared to the initial indices (p<0.05). The femorotibial angle showed no significant change in both groups. CONCLUSION: Lateral heel and sole wedges can be used as an effective therapeutic modality for long term management of knee osteoarthritis in combination with conventional therapy.