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Exploring the Top Alternatives to Knee Replacement Surgery

When chronic knee pain starts to impact your quality of life, one of the dreaded solutions that comes to mind is knee replacement surgery. Surgery can be intimidating, and for some, it might not be the best option. The good news is that there are several alternatives to knee replacement surgery—both surgical and non-surgical—that are worth considering before you take the plunge. So, let’s explore the top alternatives to knee replacement surgery and weigh the pros and cons of each. Whether you're 45 or 75, these options might provide some much-needed relief while helping you make the best decision for your knee health.

1. Physical Therapy and Exercise

You might not want to hear it, but one of the most effective ways to manage knee pain is through physical therapy and regular exercise. For people who are not yet ready for knee replacement surgery, targeted exercises can strengthen the muscles surrounding the knee, reduce stress on the joint, and improve mobility.

Pros:

  • Non-invasive and safe for almost all age groups.
  • Can be done at home or with a physical therapist.
  • Strengthens muscles to provide long-term support.

Cons:

  • Requires commitment and consistency to see results.
  • May not provide enough relief for those with severe arthritis.
  • Results vary based on individual fitness and health.

For those who don’t love physical therapy, you can always find a personal trainer at a local gym and ask them to show you an exercise program that strengthens the legs. Other great options for exercise, are a local pool with aquatic therapy classes, yoga studios, or using a recumbent bike, as this can help with improving knee motion, strengthening, and cardiovascular endurance.

Knee replacement surgery

2. Viscosupplementation (Hyaluronic Acid Injections)

Viscosupplementation involves injecting hyaluronic acid directly into the knee joint to lubricate it. This treatment can help the joint move more smoothly, reducing pain and improving function.

Pros:

  • Provides cushioning in the knee joint.
  • Non-surgical and minimally invasive.
  • Can offer relief for several months.

Cons:

  • Results vary, and not everyone experiences relief.
  • It may take several weeks to feel the effects.
  • Usually not effective for advanced arthritis.

Viscosupplementation is most effective for individuals in their 40s and early 50s who still have some remaining cartilage in their knees. It’s not as effective for those with severe arthritis where cartilage has mostly worn away.

3. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy

PRP therapy uses the patient’s own blood, which is processed to concentrate the platelets and then injected back into the knee. Platelets contain growth factors that help repair damaged tissues, reduce inflammation, and promote healing.

Pros:

  • Non-invasive and uses your body’s natural healing processes.
  • May improve tissue regeneration over time.
  • No allergic reaction risk since it’s from your own blood.

Cons:

  • Still considered experimental and not covered by all insurance plans.
  • Results are not guaranteed and take time to develop.
  • Multiple treatments may be necessary.

The key with PRP is the dosing, Ultrasound guidance, and the post-procedure protocol, which can determine its effectiveness. So, ask the healthcare provider these questions. PRP therapy is often recommended for those who are in the early stages of arthritis. It’s not as effective for severe osteoarthritis where significant damage has already occurred.

4. Corticosteroid Injections

If you have severe, end-stage arthritis in your knees, then corticosteroid injections might be the answer. These injections reduce inflammation in the knee joint, providing temporary relief from pain and stiffness.

Pros:

  • Quick relief that can last for several weeks or months.
  • Minimally invasive and can be repeated several times a year.
  • A good option for those looking to delay surgery.

Cons:

  • The effects are temporary and diminish with time.
  • Repeated injections can weaken tissues around the joint.
  • Not a permanent solution and won’t reverse joint damage.

Corticosteroid injections are often suitable for people who want short-term relief and are not yet ready to undergo knee replacement surgery. This is especially useful for those with moderate to severe arthritis.

5. Partial Knee Replacement

If you’re dealing with arthritis but it’s only affecting one part of your knee, a partial knee replacement may be an alternative to a total knee replacement surgery. In this procedure, only the damaged part of the knee is replaced with an artificial implant, leaving the rest of the knee intact.

Pros:

  • Smaller incision and shorter recovery time compared to a total knee replacement.
  • Preserves more of the natural knee.
  • Lower risk of complications.

Cons:

  • Not suitable for those with widespread arthritis.
  • May still require a total knee replacement later on.
  • Risks associated with surgery and recovery.

Partial knee replacement is often best for people who have arthritis localized to one part of the knee. It’s a great option for those who want to stay active but aren’t ready for a full knee replacement.

Knee replacement surgery - osteotomy xray

6. Stem Cell Therapy

Stem cell therapy is an emerging treatment that involves injecting stem cells into the knee to repair damaged cartilage. These cells have the potential to differentiate into various cell types and promote healing in the joint.

Pros:

  • Potential for significant pain relief and improved knee motion.
  • Quick outpatient procedure with minimal recovery time.
  • Uses the body’s natural repair mechanisms.

Cons:

  • Minimally invasive procedure that requires sedation
  • Still considered experimental, with inconsistent results.
  • Can be expensive and not covered by insurance.

Stem cell therapy is not generally recommended for individuals with advanced arthritis or bone-on-bone joint degeneration. Stem cell therapy is also not a suitable treatment for individuals with active cancers, infections, severe anemia, or other blood-related medical conditions.

Know When It’s Time for Knee Replacement Surgery

While these alternatives to knee replacement surgery can provide temporary relief and help delay surgery, they won’t work forever. If you’ve tried non-surgical treatments and you’re still in pain, it may be time to consider a knee replacement. A total knee replacement can offer lasting relief and dramatically improve your quality of life.

Ultimately, whether you choose to explore alternative treatments or go ahead with knee replacement surgery, the most important thing is to find a solution that works for you. Remember, chronic knee pain doesn’t have to hold you back—there are options out there to help you live a more active, pain-free life. Good luck on your knee journey!

Whether you’re planning on knee replacement surgery, or already have had a knee replacement, GoKnee is the best device + home exercise program on the market for your recovery. We’re clinically proven to cut recovery time in half, and back it with a 30-day guarantee. Try GoKnee today for $100 off, use code GO100 at checkout.

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