I have painful knee arthritis but I don’t want surgery for a joint replacement. What else can I do to get pain relief?
Patients often want to delay or avoid joint replacement. Many doctors suggest pain relievers or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs combined with exercise as an early treatment program. Patient education for improving posture and reducing biomechanical imbalances may be provided by a physical therapist.
Other treatment options can include steroid injections, glucosamine supplements, or bracing. Minor surgery such as arthroscopic debridement may be advised. The surgeon removes any frayed edges or loose fragments of cartilage.
This type of treatment is not routinely advised for all patients but may be most effective for low-grade OA.
For more information on this subject, call The Zehr Center for Orthopaedics at 239-596-0100 or visit www.zehrcenter.com. The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of a visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic.
