December 23, 2024
Knee pain can cause a lot of disruption to your life, but so can some treatments too, like surgery. If you’ve exhausted your over-the-counter, at-home knee pain management treatments at home, and have been recommended knee surgery but you’re hesitant, there may be other options you can try first.
There are many alternatives to knee surgery, including different injections, heat therapies, exercises and medical support devices. Through this article, you’ll learn some of the most common alternatives to knee surgery to discuss with your doctor or other medical professional.
Common Alternatives to Knee Surgery
Genicular Artery Embolisation
Genicular artery embolisation is a non-surgical alternative to osteoarthritis knee pain management. It involves an interventional radiologist making a small incision in your groin to insert a catheter to inject small particles into the layer in your knee. This reduces blood flow to the area, reducing inflammation, resulting in reduced pain, swelling and improved mobility. Some of the benefits include:
- Minimally invasive.
- Low risk.
- High success rate.
- Long-term results.
- Minimal recovery.
The procedure takes one to two hours, and you can return home the same day. Recovery is generally 2 to 3 days, and the results from the treatment can last up to 12 to 24 months.
Recommended reading: A Step-by-Step Guide to Genicular Artery Embolisation for Knee Pain
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA)
Radiofrequency ablation, or RFA, uses a precisely placed hollow needle to heat nerves in the knee using an electrode inserted into the needle. This aims to prevent pain signals from being sent from the nerve to the brain, reducing the pain you experience. Some of the benefits include:
- Non-surgical.
- Minimal recovery.
- Low complications.
- 6 to 12 months of reduced pain.
You may be a candidate for RFA if you are experiencing nerve-related pain or other pain management methods have not been successful.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is a type of physical therapy used to help improve mobility, function and overall well-being, commonly used by people with chronic health conditions or post-injury. Physiotherapy can help prescribe therapies and exercises to help strengthen the knee, which may help reduce inflammation and pain as a result of osteoarthritis. Some of the benefits may include:
- Decreased joint pain.
- Improved range of motion.
- Strengthening of muscles.
- Muscle soreness.
On-going sessions may be required to continue to monitor and experience benefits. You may also experience some muscle soreness from exercising, and you may need other therapies to help manage pain.
Recommended reading: 6 Exercises to Strengthen Your Knees and Alleviate Osteoarthritis Pain
Knee brace
Wearing a knee brace may be recommended to help with knee osteoarthritis pain. The compression from a knee brace can help provide support to the area and reduce pressure on the knee, which can help increase your mobility. Some benefits of wearing a knee brace for osteoarthritis include:
- Low to high cost to suit your budget.
- Over-the-counter options.
- Can be used in conjunction with some other treatments.
- Portable.
- Custom braces for more precise treatment.
Knee braces can carry some risk, including increased discomfort, swelling and pain, and may cause skin irritations or redness. It’s important to speak to your medical professional before using a knee brace, as well as if you notice any side effects.
Injections
Steroid, hyaluronic and orthobiologic injections have been used to help with osteoarthritis knee pain for many years. The recommended injection will depend on your condition, the severity of pain, potential risks and other considerations. Some of the benefits, depending on the injection, can include:
- Providing short-term relief.
- Good for mild to moderate pain relief.
- Minimally invasive.
However, results from injections are typically short-term, lasting 1 to 6 months, depending on the injection. This can make them more costly if you’re able to have repeat treatment. As with any alternative treatment for knee pain, it’s best to discuss your options with a medical professional for advice specific to you.
When is it time for knee replacement surgery?
Even with treatment, your osteoarthritis may progress and you may be recommended for knee replacement surgery. This may be the case when your osteoarthritis has progressed and you need to resurface the bones in the knee, or where you have exhausted your knee pain management options. It’s best to speak with your medical professional team to ensure you are getting advice specific to your condition.
