Total knee replacement should never be the initial option to treat knee pain and should be considered as a last resort. Treatment alternatives can also be helpful to relieve pain and some of its causes in the knee. If you are suffering from knee pain, consult your doctor to know about less invasive options for its treatment.
1) Weight loss and exercise: Losing kilograms may aid you lessening the pain. As per a research, just 10 pounds of weight above normal can add up to 60 pounds of burden on your knee in one step. Exercising can aid in reducing your body weight and also provide strength to your muscles and decreasing pain.
2) Consult a physiotherapist: A physiotherapist can decide a physical activity regimen which decreases pain and strengthens the main muscles which involve in knee function. A physiotherapist can collaborate with you to ensure that you are correctly performing your exercises. A PT might also try using ice, heat, electric stimulation or an ultrasound that can elevate blood flow to the affected region and aid in decreasing pain.
3) Injections in the knee: Injections of hyaluronic acid reduces friction at the knee joint and aid in improving absorption of shock. This method can decrease pain and improve mobility of the knee. However, this method is associated with potential adverse effects such as added swelling and pain. You can also have an allergic reaction if you are allergic to eggs.
4) Medicines or shots of cortisone: Over-the-counter pain-killers and topical anesthetics such as lidocaine may help controlling your knee pain. Your doctor may also prescribe a steroid injection to decrease the inflammed knee. These injection are injected at the inflammation site and mimic the activity of natural steroids present in the body. These steroids generally work to decrease pain in a few days and may provide relief for several weeks. However, they too have some potential adverse effects.
5) Acupuncture: Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese therapy using sharp, thin needles to affect nerves and altering the flow of energy in the body. This method is gaining popularity recently as an alternative treatment to reduce pain and has demonstrated dramatic results in pain reduction in subjects with knee pain.
6) Prolotherapy: It is a method which uses an irritant solution, injected into the ligament or muscle tendon which raises the blood flow and nutrient supply. By this mechanism, the procedure stimulates the process of healing in the affected area.
7) Arthroscopic surgery: This type of surgery may be recommended to remove fragments of bone, torn meniscus, or damaged cartilage or even repair ligaments using an arthroscope. An arthroscope is a camera that permits an operator to view the joint via a small cut.The surgeon uses the artroscope to perform an operation in the joint, post making 2 to 4 cuts. This is a much less invasive procedure allowing patients to go home the same day of their surgery. You can resume your daily routine without support within a week.
8) Knee osteotomy: People suffering from a knee deformity or one side damage to the knee may be benefitted from this procedure. This procedure transfers the weight-bearing load from the affected area of the knee. However, this procedure is generally preferred for younger patients with limited damage to the knee.
9) Braces: A brace may be recommended to lend external stability to the knee. A brace leads to joint realignment by applying pressure on the sides of joint. This process reduces bone friction and causes pain relief and increased joint mobility.
10) Others: Other options such as stem cell therapy and plasma-rich protein injections are also considered potential therapies for pain treatment but these methods are not well-studied. Choosing the best option: Your surgeon should take into consideration, all possible options to knee replacement, while selecting a treatment of knee arthritis. The decision of selecting the best treatment option should be determined together by you, your family and the involved doctors.
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