Comparison the Effect of 3 Point Valgus Stress Knee Support and Lateral Wedge Insoles in Medial Compartment Knee Osteoarthritis

60 patients with grades III-IV knee osteoarthritis were randomized to one of three treatment groups: (1) use of a 3-point varus corrective knee brace, (2) use of lateral wedge foot insoles, (3) conservative management only (control). The purpose of this trial was to compare improvement in pain severity, maximum walking distances, and radiologic changes between the three patients groups after nine months. Results demonstrated that patients in the Brace and Insole groups had significantly greater reductions in pain severity when compared to the Control group. Patients in the Brace group were also observed to have significantly longer maximum walking distances when compared to the Control group; differences between the Insole and Control group were not significant.