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Last Updated on November 18, 2025 by Ugurkan Demir
Every year, over 600,000 people in the U.S. get knee replacements. This shows how many are looking for ways to ease osteoarthritis pain. But, there’s more than just surgery. New treatments and non-surgical options are here, promising better mobility and less pain.
At Liv Hospital, we focus on the latest and most trusted ways to manage osteoarthritis. Our team combines top international care with a patient-centered approach. This means you get all the support you need during your treatment.
Over 600,000 knee replacements are done every year in the U.S. This shows we need other options. More people are looking for non-surgical ways to fix their knees. This change comes from wanting less invasive treatments and new medical tech.
Knee replacement surgery is very common in the U.S. Here are some recent numbers:
| Year | Number of Knee Replacements | Growth Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 450,000 | – |
| 2015 | 550,000 | 22% |
| 2020 | 600,000+ | 9% |
These numbers show more people are getting knee replacements.
Studies say 80% of those thinking about knee replacement might not need it. This is a big number. It means many could avoid surgery or wait longer. Options include changing your lifestyle, physical therapy, and new treatments.
Before deciding on surgery, look at all your choices. Think about making lifestyle changes and trying different medical treatments. Talk to your doctor to find the best option for you.
Knowing about all the alternatives helps you make a better choice. It can lead to better results and a better life.
Many people find relief from knee pain through lifestyle changes and physical therapy. These methods can help manage symptoms without surgery. They improve quality of life.
“Lifestyle changes can significantly impact the progression of knee osteoarthritis,” says a leading orthopedic specialist. “By incorporating weight management, low-impact exercises, and targeted physical therapy, patients can experience substantial relief.”
Keeping a healthy weight is key to reducing knee pressure. Every pound of body weight adds four pounds of pressure on the knee. Losing weight can greatly reduce this stress.
Weight loss programs that combine diet and exercise are very effective. Support from counseling or group sessions can help stick to the program.
Low-impact exercises are vital for strengthening knee muscles without making the condition worse. Swimming, cycling, and brisk walking are great choices.
These exercises boost heart health and muscle strength. Water-based exercises are excellent because they’re low-impact and help with strength and mobility.
Physical therapy is essential for managing osteoarthritis symptoms. Therapists create personalized exercise plans that meet specific needs.
“Physical therapy is not just about exercises; it’s about educating patients on how to manage their condition effectively,” notes a physical therapy expert. “By incorporating manual therapy, modalities, and tailored exercise programs, patients can achieve significant pain relief and functional improvement.”
Some common physical therapy protocols include:
Ayurvedic treatments like yoga and mindfulness practices are also beneficial. They focus on overall well-being and can enhance traditional physical therapy.
Bracing and assistive devices offer a non-surgical way to manage knee pain. These tools support the knee, enhance mobility, and lessen pain. Our team is skilled in treating musculoskeletal and joint health issues, making these devices a viable option.
Knee braces provide support and stability to the knee joint. There are different types, each for specific needs. For instance, prophylactic knee braces prevent injuries, while functional knee braces help those with injuries.
We suggest knee braces for ligament injuries or osteoarthritis. The right brace can greatly reduce pain and boost function. A study found that knee braces significantly improved mobility and reduced pain in osteoarthritis patients.
| Type of Knee Brace | Condition | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Prophylactic Knee Brace | Injury Prevention | Reduces risk of knee injuries during sports |
| Functional Knee Brace | Ligament Injuries | Provides support and stability to the knee |
| Unloader Knee Brace | Osteoarthritis | Reduces pain by redistributing weight |
Walking aids like canes and walkers are vital for those with knee pain. They ease the stress on the knee, making movement simpler. We guide patients on using these aids effectively.
The right walking aid depends on the patient’s needs and condition. A cane can lessen knee stress, while a walker offers more support and balance.
Advanced orthotics, including custom-made ones, are key for joint stability and pain relief. These devices fit the individual’s anatomy, providing precise support. We help patients choose the best orthotic solution for their condition.
Using advanced orthotics can greatly improve life for those with knee pain. They stabilize the joint, reduce pain, and help patients stay mobile and active.
Pharmacologic interventions offer many options for managing knee pain without surgery. These treatments can help reduce pain and improve joint function. They are great for those who don’t want or need knee replacement surgery.
Oral medications, like NSAIDs, are often used to manage knee pain. NSAIDs reduce inflammation, which helps with pain in conditions like osteoarthritis. We usually recommend NSAIDs first because they work well to manage pain and inflammation.
Examples of NSAIDs include ibuprofen and naproxen. While safe, long-term use can cause stomach problems. It’s important to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits.
Topical treatments are another way to manage knee pain. They are applied directly to the skin over the affected joint. This approach can offer relief with fewer side effects than oral medications.
Common topical treatments include creams, gels, and patches with NSAIDs or capsaicin. Capsaicin, from chili peppers, helps by reducing pain signals to the brain.
Certain supplements may help support joint health. Glucosamine and chondroitin are popular, with studies showing they may reduce knee pain and improve function.
Ayurvedic herbs like Ashwagandha and Brahmi are also used for joint health. More research is needed to fully understand their effects.
| Supplement | Potential Benefits | Level of Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Glucosamine | May reduce knee pain and improve joint function | Moderate |
| Chondroitin | May help reduce knee pain and slow joint damage | Moderate |
| Ashwagandha | May help reduce inflammation and improve joint health | Limited |
| Brahmi | May help reduce pain and improve joint function | Limited |
For more information on alternatives to knee replacement surgery, visit HealthPartners Blog. It offers detailed insights into various treatment options.
Injectable therapies are a less invasive option for those thinking about knee revision surgery. These treatments are getting more attention for their ability to ease knee pain and boost function without surgery.
Corticosteroid injections are used to cut down inflammation and pain in the knee. They offer quick pain relief and less inflammation. But, they are seen as a short-term fix and might harm cartilage if used too often.
Hyaluronic acid injections, or viscosupplementation, aim to make the knee joint more lubricated. They are great for those with osteoarthritis. By making the joint more lubricated, these injections can lessen pain and enhance movement.
PRP therapy involves injecting platelet-rich plasma (from the patient’s blood) into the knee. PRP has growth factors that help heal and repair tissue. Many patients have seen positive results, like less pain and better function, from PRP therapy.
Stem cell treatments use stem cells to fix damaged knee tissue. Research shows stem cell therapy might help with knee pain. But, the availability and rules around stem cell treatments differ, and more study is needed to know their full benefits and risks.
In summary, injectable therapies offer various options for those thinking about knee revision surgery. Knowing the good and bad of each can help patients make better choices for their care.
For those looking for alternatives to knee replacement, genicular artery embolization and nerve treatments are promising. These methods aim to ease knee pain, mainly from osteoarthritis.
Genicular Artery Embolization is a minimally invasive procedure. It targets abnormal blood vessels that cause knee pain. By blocking these vessels, GAE aims to reduce inflammation and pain in the knee. Recent studies show it can help with osteoarthritis knee pain. It’s a good option for those not ideal for surgery or preferring less invasive treatments.
Genicular nerve blocks manage knee pain by injecting a local anesthetic or steroid around pain-transmitting nerves. This blocks pain signals to the brain, giving patients relief. It also helps find the pain’s source, guiding further treatment.
Radiofrequency Ablation uses heat from radio waves to “turn off” pain-transmitting nerves. It’s for patients with chronic knee pain who’ve tried other treatments. RFA can offer long-term relief, improving life quality for those with severe pain.
These treatments are a big step forward in knee pain management. They offer hope to those not ready or suitable for knee replacement surgery. Always talk to your healthcare provider to find the best treatment for your condition and medical history.
Subchondroplasty is a minimally invasive treatment for bone marrow lesions. It can help avoid more serious surgeries. Bone marrow lesions cause pain and are linked to osteoarthritis. Knowing about these lesions and treatments is key for those seeking relief.
Bone marrow lesions are seen on MRI scans and linked to knee pain. They often show up in people with osteoarthritis or other joint issues. These lesions can greatly affect a person’s quality of life, making finding effective treatments important.
Studies show bone marrow lesions are more than just a sign of osteoarthritis. They can also make the disease worse. So, treating these lesions is vital for knee health.
Subchondroplasty is a procedure where a bone substitute is injected into the lesion. This method aims to stabilize the bone and lessen pain. The procedure is guided by fluoroscopy to place the material correctly.
Orthopedic specialist, says, “Subchondroplasty is a big step forward in treating bone marrow lesions. It offers a less invasive option than traditional surgery.”
“Subchondroplasty has been a game-changer for many of our patients suffering from bone marrow lesions. It’s a procedure that not only reduces pain but also helps in improving the overall quality of life.”
Recovery from subchondroplasty is usually easy, with most feeling less pain in a few weeks. It’s important for patients to follow a rehabilitation program that includes physical therapy. This helps strengthen muscles and improve joint mobility.
Some patients may also benefit from Ayurvedic treatments like Kati Basti. These can help with joint health and overall well-being.
Understanding subchondroplasty can help patients make better choices about their treatment. It may help them avoid more invasive surgeries.
We’re looking into new ways to help knees without surgery. New technologies and treatments are changing how we care for knees. They offer hope for those who want to avoid or delay surgery.
Cryotherapy, or cold therapy, is used to lessen knee pain and swelling. It involves applying cold to the knee to help it heal. Thermal treatments, or heat therapy, relax muscles and improve blood flow. This can ease stiffness and pain in the knee.
A study showed both cryotherapy and thermal treatments work well. It depends on the patient’s needs and condition.
| Therapy Type | Primary Benefit | Common Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Cryotherapy | Reduces inflammation and pain | Acute injuries, post-surgical recovery |
| Thermal Treatments | Relaxes muscles, increases blood flow | Chronic pain, stiffness, muscle spasms |
Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) therapy is a new method for knee pain. This treatment uses electromagnetic fields to help cells heal and reduce pain. It’s thought to help the body heal itself, possibly reducing the need for pain meds.
Studies suggest PEMF therapy could help those with osteoarthritis and other knee issues.
Wearable tech is changing knee rehab. Smart sleeves and sensors track knee movement and recovery. They help create personalized rehab plans, improving results and patient involvement.
As these technologies improve, we’ll see better ways to care for knees in the future.
Knee surgery has changed a lot. Now, there are many new, less invasive ways to fix knees. These methods help patients heal faster, with less scarring and more of their natural knee left intact.
Unicompartmental knee replacement is a new way to fix knees. It only replaces the damaged part, not the whole knee. This is good for people with arthritis in just one part of their knee.
It keeps more of the knee healthy. This means patients might feel more natural in their knee after surgery. They could also heal faster.
Benefits of Unicompartmental Knee Replacement:
High tibial osteotomy is a surgery that fixes knee alignment. It cuts and realigns the shinbone to spread out weight on the knee. It’s for people with knee malalignment and arthritis in one part of the knee.
This surgery helps shift weight off the damaged knee. It can reduce pain and improve knee function.
Arthroscopy is a small surgery that uses a camera and tools through tiny cuts. It’s for many knee problems like tears, cartilage damage, and loose pieces. It’s not for all knee issues but is good for some.
Exploring alternatives to knee replacement surgery shows the importance of a personalized plan. By mixing modern medicine with alternative treatments, we can make a plan that fits each person’s needs.
We’ve looked at many options, like changing your lifestyle, using braces, and trying new medicines. Each one has its own benefits. The best plan usually combines a few of these.
Creating a personalized plan starts with talking to healthcare experts. They can help figure out the best treatment for you. Together, we can make a plan that meets your specific needs and helps your knee stay healthy.
A good knee pain management plan can really improve your life. It can make you feel less pain and move better. By choosing treatments that fit you, you can manage your knee pain and stay healthy.
We offer many alternatives. These include lifestyle changes, physical therapy, and using braces and assistive devices. We also have pharmacologic interventions, injectable therapies, and new technologies.
Yes, in many cases. By trying different treatments and making lifestyle changes, you can manage knee pain without surgery. It’s best to talk to a healthcare professional to find the right treatment for you.
New alternatives include genicular artery embolization and subchondroplasty. Also, emerging technologies like pulsed electromagnetic field therapy and wearable devices are being explored.
Yes, we have many options. These include injectable therapies, braces, and medications. They can help manage symptoms of bone-on-bone osteoarthritis.
Preventing surgery often involves lifestyle changes. This includes managing weight and doing low-impact exercises. Alternative treatments like physical therapy and medications also play a role.
We offer several treatments. These include injectable therapies, braces, and medications. They can help reduce pain without surgery.
Yes, we have many non-surgical options. These include lifestyle changes, physical therapy, and using braces and medications. They can help manage pain and potentially avoid surgery.
Genicular artery embolization is a minimally invasive procedure. It reduces blood flow to the knee, which can help with osteoarthritis pain.
Yes, wearable technology is helpful in knee rehab. It provides support, tracks progress, and guides exercises and therapy.
Subchondroplasty is a minimally invasive procedure. It treats bone marrow lesions to reduce knee pain. It stabilizes the bone and reduces inflammation, helping patients with osteoarthritis.
