A large number of people suffering from knee problems choose to undergo knee surgery. However, this invasive surgery may not be needed by all the patients who suffer from knee problems. If you suffer from aches and pains in your knee, first explore other less invasive alternatives before thinking about cutting your knee open.

Here are a few things to consider.

Exercising and Weight Loss

Your body weight is borne by your knees and feet. As your weight increases, the pressure on your knees also increase and it may give rise to pain and other complications. Losing even 15 pounds of weight can have a positive impact on your knees and you will see a lot of difference in how you function. It is therefore advisable to indulge in regular exercising and maintain a normal weight so you can avoid knee pain and subsequent surgery.

Physical Therapy

A physical therapist can design an appropriate regimen to help reduce pain and minimize the pressure on your knees. The recommended routines will strengthen the muscles around your knees, thus providing adequate support to them and reducing pain. Some of the common physical therapy modules include transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, hot and cold therapy, and ultrasound among others. These therapies increase the blood flow and stimulate the knee joint muscles.

Arthroscopic Surgery

An arthroscopic surgery involves repair of cartilages and tendons around the knees. The surgery is performed with the help of a tiny camera know as an arthroscope which allows the surgeon to see within the knee joints through a few small incisions. The surgeon operates on your knees through these small incisions. Since only small incisions are made, the procedure is non-invasive. Most patients are able to go home on the same day of the surgery.

Knee Osteostomy

Those who have knee damage or acute pain in only one side of the knee can benefit from this procedure. The procedure involves shifting the load away from the damaged part of the knee. The success rate of the procedure is high, but it is mainly used only for younger patients who have less knee damage.

Knee Injections

Also known as viscosupplementation, medicines are directly injected into the joint. These injections contain a substance known as hyluronan which acts as lubricants and shock absorbers that help in the normal functioning of the knee joint. It also increases knee mobility. But there may be a few side effects, such as swelling and pain.

Prolotherapy

A relatively new approach, prolotherapy uses a solution made of dextrose which is injected into the tendons and ligaments for increasing the blood flow and nutrient supply. The procedure requires 5-7 sittings, and although conclusive evidence isn’t apparent, when used with other therapies, it is seen to be quite effective.

Apart from the above mentioned procedures, some other alternatives include stem cells, acupuncture, etc. It is important to weigh all your options and determine the best approach with the help of your healthcare provider, before opting for the invasive knee surgery.

About Author : Michelle Tyler is a qualified medical writer who writes informative articles related to hip, knee and shoulder replacement alternatives that offers new insights into the ever advancing field of medicine. These articles help patients to understand the latest treatment options that are available to them.
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