What can I do instead of a knee replacement?
Here are some of the non-surgical treatments I commonly recommend.
- Exercise to keep your joints moving.
- Lose weight to reduce pressure on your knees.
- Physical therapy to target knee pain.
- Joint supplements.
- Injections for knee pain.
- Orthobiologics.
Is knee replacement the only option for bone on bone?
Bone-on-Bone Arthritis Patients who have thinning of the cartilage but not bone touching bone should not undergo knee replacement surgery, except in rare circumstances.
What is the thing that moves in your knee?
Articular cartilage is rubbery cartilage found on the end of bones. It helps joints, like your knees, move smoothly so you have a good range of motion. It also helps absorb the shocks of everyday wear and tear and from playing sports. This cartilage is a different kind than found on your ears.
How do I know if I need knee surgery?
It may be time to have knee replacement surgery if you have: Severe knee pain that limits your everyday activities. Moderate or severe knee pain while resting, day or night. Long-lasting knee inflammation and swelling that doesn’t get better with rest or medications.
How do I know if my knee needs surgery?
Knee Replacement Surgery
- Severe knee pain that limits your everyday activities.
- Moderate or severe knee pain while resting, day or night.
- Long-lasting knee inflammation and swelling that doesn’t get better with rest or medications.
- A bowing in or out of your leg.
- No pain relief from NSAIDs or can’t tolerate them.
Are there any great knee replacement alternatives?
Whether your doctor tells you this or not, there are several great knee replacement alternatives available today. The alternatives are designed for those people who want relief from their knee injury or osteoarthritis, without the need for invasive surgery.
What are my minimally invasive options for knee replacement surgery?
There are several minimally invasive options you and your surgeon can try before committing to knee replacement surgery: Physical therapy — Knee arthritis typically makes the knee joint painful and stiff. Consulting with a physical therapist can increase the strength of the muscles supporting the knee and reduce pain.
How can I improve my patient’s knee replacement experience?
New multimodal pain approaches, surgical techniques and physical therapy after these surgeries are all improving a patients’ knee replacement experience. The Johns Hopkins Hip and Knee Replacement program features a team of orthopaedic specialists highly skilled in joint replacement procedures.
What is a total knee replacement?
A total knee replacement is more of a resurfacing of the bones in the knee: the end of the femur (thigh bone), the top of the tibia (the thicker of the two bones in the shin) and the inward facing surface of the patella, or kneecap. The surgeon removes the bony surfaces and replaces them with metal and plastic implants.