The knee is the largest and one of the most complex joints in the body. It is also the joint that endures the most damage. The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery states that by 2030, there will be a 670% increase in total knee replacements. However, there are ways in which knee and joint damage can be healed and prevented without surgery.
Here are 8 ways for avoiding knee replacement surgery and for maintaining healthy joints while preventing joint damage:
1. Weight Loss. Weight loss helps relieve excess pressure on your knees. For every pound you lose, that’s four pounds of pressure alleviated from your knees. Weight loss also helps reduce inflammation and boosts your immune system.
2. Exercise. Exercising regularly has a multitude of health and wellness benefits, especially when it relates to strengthening your muscles and promoting flexibility. The more you strengthen your thigh muscles, the less likely you are to experience knee pain and cartilage damage. Swimming, cycling, Pilates, and yoga are some of the best non-traumatic exercises you can do to strengthen your knees. These exercises improve blood flow, build muscle, and improve flexibility.
3. Physical Therapy. A physical therapist can teach you how to prevent or manage your condition, so you can achieve long-term benefits. Physical therapy can help increase your mobility, restore joint function, reduce joint pain, and prevent further damage.
4. Acupuncture Therapy. Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese method of healing and form of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Acupuncture doesn’t work for everyone, but it has become more popular in recent years because it has been known to have lasting health benefits and pain relief. The placement of needles in acupuncture produce signals to the spinal cord and brain, releasing neurotransmitters—endorphins and enkephalins—which reduce pain. Acupuncture also induces cortisol production which is a hormone that is known to help control joint inflammation.
5. Arthroscopic Surgery. Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive surgical procedure in which the surgeon utilizes a small camera to view the damaged knee and then makes small incisions to repair the knee. This form of surgery is less painful for patients and has a shorter recovery time.
6. Knee Osteotomy. A knee osteotomy is a surgical procedure that involved removing or adding a piece of bone to your thighbone or shinbone. This removal or addition of bone helps distribute your weight, shifting the pressure off your knee.
7. Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Injection. This injection treatment is commonly used to fill wrinkles; however, it also helps with knee joint pain. Hyaluronic Acid is a lubricant that helps regulate inflammation and provides support, or cushioning, between the knee’s cartilage.
8. Platelet-rich Plasma (PRP) Injection. This injection uses your body’s regenerative processes to heal the damaged joint and increase mobility. This is how it works: The doctor extracts your tissue, concentrates the proteins in your stem cells, and reintroduces them to the damaged tissue. The process typically takes 3 – 4 hours and has a brief recovery time.
Now what?
It’s important to consult a doctor about your condition before exploring alternatives to total knee replacement surgery. However, if you do need total knee replacement surgery, it’s imperative that you do not delay the process. Avoiding necessary treatment can cause more damage and long-term health issues. Contact Empire Surgical Solutions today to learn more about knee replacement prevention as well as the latest advancements in knee and orthopedic surgery