Alternatives to Knee Replacement Surgery
Are you experiencing constant knee pain, restricted movements, or facing difficulty climbing stairs up and down? Then you may want to get rid of the pain by undergoing knee replacement surgery. But wait. Is that the only option you are left with? Your knee pain may not be as severe as you think. You might be able to work it out with non-surgical techniques as well! Even doctors don’t suggest surgery in the first instance. So, let’s look at some potential alternatives to knee replacement surgery.
Note: The suitability of the below or any other surgical and non-surgical knee treatment may vary with the person. Consult your doctor to know what suits you the best.
Physical Therapy
This is potentially the first alternative doctors would attempt while relieving knee pain without surgery. Physiotherapy involves performing targeted exercises and undergoing physical therapy to strengthen the muscles around the knee joint, enhance flexibility, and reduce pain with consistent and regular therapy sessions with an expert.
Low-Impact Exercises
Based on the doctor’s advice, one can even try performing low-impact exercises to strengthen the quadriceps and hamstring muscles. These exercises can help reduce pain and simplify mobility. Some options in this regard may include riding an exercise bike. However, you should get a proper workout designed by an expert for optimum results.
Medications
Per individual suitability, doctors may even suggest consuming nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), pain relievers, and corticosteroid injections. However, these medicines offer temporary relief from knee pain and inflammation. Consult your doctor to determine the suitability of these medications in your case.
Knee Osteotomy
Osteotomy can work in people suffering from knee deformity or damage to only one side of the knee. The procedure involves shifting the weight-bearing load away from the knee’s damaged region. However, it should be noted that knee osteotomy isn’t suitable for everyone. It works only for younger people with limited knee damage.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
PRP therapy is another probable alternative to knee replacement surgery. The procedure involves injecting a concentrated solution of the patient’s platelets to foster healing in the damaged tissues.
Stem Cell Therapy
Stem cell therapy comprises using the patient’s stem cells to potentially regenerate damaged tissues and decrease knee joint inflammation.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a traditional and popular Chinese therapy. In this procedure, doctors insert thin needles into specific points on the body to reduce pain and promote healing.
Weight Management and Lifestyle Changes
Excess weight can stress joints, especially those of the knee, when you stand, walk, run, climb stairs up and down, and while you sit and get up. Continuing to be overweight can further damage the condition. Thus, losing weight if you’ve been carrying those extra pounds and complaining about knee pain is an alternative to knee replacement surgery. Shedding those additional kilos can help reduce stress on the joint and lower pain, simplifying routine movements significantly.
Are you looking for specific consultation on your knee pain and searching for alternatives particularly suitable in your case? Visit Ranka Hospital. Our advanced diagnostics, experienced doctors and personalized consultation will help identify the best-suited knee pain treatment. Call us at +91 – 20 – 24261530 to schedule an appointment with us.
