Has your doctor suggested knee replacement surgery as the sole option for treatment? Are you seeking alternatives to undergoing knee replacement surgery? This article outlines 10 alternatives that should be explored before considering surgical intervention for the elderly. Here’s the list.
- PRP therapy
- Prolotherapy
- Regenerative cell therapy
- Hyaluronic acid
- Corticosteroid injections
- Radiofrequency ablation
- Activity modification
- Physical therapy
- Exercise and weight loss
- Medications
Let’s delve into each alternative in depth.
10 Alternatives to Knee Replacement Surgery
There are various options available to promote joint lubrication, preserve cartilage cells, improve shock absorption, harness your body’s repair cells, and initiate a healing response.
1. PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) therapy
Autologous Conditioned Plasma (ACP) or Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is a medical procedure where a doctor draws your blood and separates the platelet-rich plasma components. This plasma is then reinjected into the specific injured area to promote healing. PRP contains natural proteins and growth factors that can repair damaged areas and regenerate healthy tissues. This therapy can reduce inflammation, restore normal function and mobility, and potentially delay or eliminate the need for knee replacement surgery. Unlike other treatments, PRP provides long-term relief without any risk of adverse side effects.
2. Prolotherapy
Prolotherapy, also known as proliferation therapy, involves injecting a natural irritant, such as dextrose, into the injured knee area to stimulate the body’s innate healing process. This treatment aims to mend and fortify the ligaments in your damaged knee joint, resulting in substantial pain relief and enhanced stability. Typically, you may need to undergo 4-20 prolotherapy injections spread across a period of 3-6 months.
3. Regenerative cell therapy
Regenerative cell therapy is a remarkable treatment option that can significantly improve one’s life. This therapy involves the use of primitive, non-specialized cells that have not yet matured into specific cell types such as muscle or nerve cells. However, these cells possess the incredible ability to transform into any type of cell through cell division and propagation processes.
During regenerative cell therapy, non-specialized stem cells are either collected from a donor or taken from your own bone marrow and fatty tissue. These cells are then introduced into the damaged area, where they work to aid your body in healing and regenerating new tissue.
By promoting the healing capabilities of the affected knee joint and reducing inflammation that could worsen the condition, this regenerative cell treatment offers significant benefits and holds great promise.
4. Hyaluronic acid
Have you heard about the resemblance between hydraulic fluid and hyaluronic acid? While hydraulic fluid serves as a lubricant for efficient machine performance, hyaluronic acid works as a lubricant for your knees, offering shock absorption. Hyaluronic acid is naturally found in synovial joints and can also be produced artificially. It has substantial benefits in reducing joint pain, and stiffness, and promoting cartilage regeneration, whether you’re at rest or engaged in physical activity. Improvement in joint function can be observed within 1-3 months after receiving a hyaluronic acid injection.
5. Corticosteroid injections
The swift reduction of inflammation and relief of pain caused by nerve pressure or surrounding tissue swelling can be achieved by administering corticosteroid injections directly into the knee joint.
6. Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
Radiofrequency ablation, commonly known as RFA, is a pain-reducing procedure. It involves utilizing radio waves to generate an electrical current that heats a targeted area of nerve tissue, effectively reducing pain signals originating from that particular region.
7. Activity modification
The purpose of this choice is not to explore something different, but rather to cease something ongoing. You will need to relinquish activities that worsen the pain in your knee joint. Nevertheless, it is advised to remain physically active. A suitable alternative for runners, for instance, would be to switch to cycling.
8. Physical therapy
Following a recommended physical therapy program can enhance the strength of your knee muscles and alleviate discomfort. By redistributing pressure on the knees, reducing inflammation, and improving knee function, physical therapy proves to be effective. However, it is crucial to diligently and consistently engage in the prescribed physical therapy exercises as advised by your healthcare provider.
9. Exercise and weight loss
According to a research study conducted by the Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center, women who are overweight are almost four times more likely to develop knee osteoarthritis. Similarly, men who are obese have a five times higher risk of experiencing knee osteoarthritis. Therefore, it is strongly advised to lose even a small amount of weight as it can make a significant difference. Losing weight has proven to reduce the risk of knee osteoarthritis by over 50 percent. This is why exercise for weight loss is the recommended approach.
10. Medications
Several medications are beneficial in treating knee arthritis, despite physicians aiming to limit the number of prescribed medications. Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are capable of effectively diminishing pain, swelling, and stiffness caused by knee arthritis. These medications are easily accessible and generally well-tolerated by most patients. Additionally, certain supplements can alleviate symptoms associated with knee arthritis.
Which alternative to knee surgery will be appropriate for you?
For an appropriate answer to this question, it is recommended to consult a specialized medical physician who is knowledgeable in alternative therapies. It is important to consider all the mentioned alternatives to knee surgery before proceeding, as different individuals may require different treatments for their knee conditions. There is no reason to dismiss an option that could potentially eliminate the need for surgery.
Our Medica Stem Cells Clinic is available to address your inquiries, diagnose your condition, and develop an appropriate treatment plan tailored to your needs. Therefore, do not overlook these options that can provide pain relief and potentially bypass the need for knee replacement surgery. Contact our Medica Stem Cells Clinic in London at 020 8 168 2000 or in Ireland at 01 298 8000 to schedule an appointment with our medical team. We are here to assist you.
Meta Title: Non-Surgical Options for Elderly Knee Pain Relief
Meta Description: Discover non-surgical alternatives to knee replacement surgery for the elderly. Explore effective pain relief options and regain mobility. Learn more.