The decision to undergo a knee replacement procedure is often a difficult one and many people will put off or delay this procedure as much as possible. In many cases, patients will try over the counter remedies or “As Seen on TV” products in an effort to self manage their condition. The major problem with these products is that they are often not scientifically proven and can actually cause more damage. Below are 3 researched and scientifically proven treatments that you should consider before joint replacement.
1. Physical Therapy
In many cases, advanced arthritis has caused weakening of the joints and muscles around the knee and this is what commonly causes the aching of the joint. However, it is not only the joints that become weakened as 70% of those with knee arthritis have weakened quadriceps muscles as well. This weakening of the quadriceps muscle puts extra strain on the knee joint and can exacerbate pain.
The goal of physical therapy is to help strengthen the weakened muscles of the quadriceps, which in turn relieves some of the pressure on the joints of the knee. Once the quadriceps are strengthened, the alignment of the joint can be restored, which reduces the instances of the bone surfaces of the knee rubbing together. Furthermore, physical therapy can help restore range of motion in the joint as well.
The modalities below are often coupled with physical therapy to maximize their effectiveness.
2. Prescription Anti-Inflammatory Medication
The goal of this modality is to reduce the inflammation in the joint that is the result of arthritis. The inflammation occurs primarily for one of two reasons. The first is due to the synovium (the lining around the joint) becoming inflamed due to the bones rubbing against this lining. The second is a result of the bodies natural response to trauma wherein blood flow to the joint is increased, causing a swelling of the joint. Both of these result in pain and stiffness in the joint.
Depending upon the specific type of arthritis in the joint and the area of inflammation, your doctor will prescribe medications aimed to reduce this inflammation and reduce pain.
3. Viscosupplementation
In a healthy knee, the joints are surrounded by a fluid called hyaluronic acid that provides lubrication to the joints and prevents the bones from rubbing together. As the joints of the knee become more arthritic, much of this fluid is lost. The goal of viscosuplplementation is to increase the amount of this fluid in the knee, thus increasing lubrication. The fluid is administered via injection into the joint and can be repeated every six months, if effective.
At High Mountain Orthopedics, our team specializes in treating arthritic conditions of the bones and joints and utilize integrated physical therapy to maximize outcomes. In most cases, arthritis can be treated without the need for surgery using conservative modalities. However, if conservative modalities are not providing relief, our Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeons are experts in Joint Replacement Procedures and utilize the most advanced Minimally Invasive techniques to minimize post-operative recovery.
If you have been suffering from any bone or joint injury, contact us today. Our awarded team of Orthopedic and Sports Medicine specialists have over 25 years of experience and we have three convenient locations throughout New Jersey.