NON-SURGICAL OPTIONS
Hip and knee replacements are typically very successful procedures. However, we will usually try to manage your symptoms with conservative measures first before proceeding to surgery. There are a couple of reasons for this:
Surgery comes with risk, and therefore should be utilized only when necessary.
The chance of needing revision surgery increases the longer you have the joint replacement.
What are some of my non-surgical options?
Physical Therapy
Working with an expert to strengthen the muscles that support the knee and hip often helps improve function and reduce pain from arthritis. In patients with severe disease, PT may be counterproductive.
Medication/NSAIDs
These anti-inflammatory medications are generally safe, effective, and non-addictive. Patients who have kidney disease or stomach ulcers should consult with their primary care doctor before using. Common examples include ibuprofen, naproxen, meloxicam, and celebrex.
Brace
For patients with knee arthritis, the support of a brace often provides assurance and relief for daily activites.
Injections
Both corticosteroid and visco injections are options to provide relief. These are safe and can be repeated at regular intervals.
Weight Loss
For activities like stair climbing, your knees and hips are subjected to forces several times your body weight. Therefore, even moderate weight loss can have a major benefit for your knees and hips.
Radiofrequency nerve ablation
This is a non-invasive procedure that targets the genicular nerves innervating the knee. While the nerves eventually reconstitute, relief can last for many months.