If nagging knee pain has become a part of your everyday life, you are probably ready to do anything it takes to get rid of it.

But, while you may be ready to get rid of your stubborn knee pain, many people want to avoid a knee replacement as long as possible.

Looking for orthopedic surgeons in your area isn’t something people look forward to.

But, are there ways to avoid knee replacement surgery?

Even minimally invasive surgeries put the body through a lot of stress, so if you can avoid knee replacement, you should.

Fortunately, there are several things you can do on your own or with a medical professional that can help with knee pain and delay the need for replacement.

Anti-Inflammatory Medications

Some various conditions and injuries can cause inflammation of the knee.

If your knee is inflamed, it can become:

• Swollen
• Painful
• Stiff
• Difficult to move
• Weak

If your knee is inflamed, your doctor might recommend anti-inflammatory medications as the first course of action.

However, pain medications should never be a long-term option.

These medications can work in the short term:

• Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin, naproxen, and ibuprofen.
• Your doctor might recommend prescription-strength doses of the above NSAIDs or COX-2 inhibitors. These prescription medications may be better at fighting inflammation.

Reducing inflammation takes the pressure off the knee joint and the surrounding muscles, nerves, tendons, and ligaments.

Finding relief from inflammation can improve mobility and blood flow, allowing you to live a healthier, more active lifestyle.

Again, these are temporary solutions.

You need to address the root cause of the knee pain, so the inflammation doesn’t return. 

You don’t want to take these medications long-term because they have adverse side effects.

Lose Weight

Weight loss is one of the best things you can do for your knees and your overall quality of life.

Additional weight puts pressure on the knees and increases stress on the knee joint.

This can increase pain and make it hard to exercise.

Carrying extra weight also raises your risk of developing knee arthritis and speeds up the destruction of cartilage that cushions the joint.

Losing weight can help with knee pain or arthritis in one or both knees.

If you are overweight or obese, you can meet with a nutritionist to get started.

Exercise

Exercise is usually the last thing on your mind when your knees hurt and feel stiff.

However, staying active can help manage your knee pain by:

• Building muscle strength to support your knees
• Improving flexibility in your knee and reducing stiffness
• Stimulating the flow of fluid around the knee to reduce buildups

Any exercise will help, but low-impact exercises that strengthen the legs, hips, and core are recommended.

To get started with exercise, all you have to do is get moving.

You can work your way up to exercising three to five times a week.

The most crucial part of any exercise routine is finding one you like and commit to.

And just because it hurts doesn’t mean it’s harming you.

Feeling some pain and discomfort while you adjust to your workout is normal.

If you feel intense pain, you should stop doing that particular exercise.

Injections

Injections for knee pain are another alternative to knee replacement.

If you can’t seem to shake your knee pain, the next step is to get an injection.

You will usually start with a corticosteroid injection, drastically reducing inflammation, pain, and swelling.

These are typically effective and can be long-lasting.

If cortisone injections don’t provide long-lasting relief, hyaluronic acid injections may be suggested.

Hyaluronic acid lubricates the knee, improving mobility and reducing pain.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy may also be recommended for people with knee pain.

Your treatment plan will strengthen your leg muscles, reducing your risk of falls and pain.

Physical therapy combines exercise, education, and hands-on care to strengthen and loosen muscles and joints in your knee.

Your physical therapist will help you develop a treatment goal, like improving your knee mobility, reducing swelling, or improving your balance.

Treatment plans typically include guided exercise with a physical therapist a few times a week.

You will also get a personalized exercise plan to do at home and hands-on care like massage.

You will learn about the causes of your knee pain and how to perform regular activities to avoid pain or further injury.

Physical therapy can provide long-term pain management by strengthening your knees and learning how to move.

Want to read more about knee pain? Check out the blog; Why has my knee suddenly started hurting?

See A Knee Pain Specialist

Using some of the remedies above will help you delay knee replacement surgery for as long as possible.

Whether you lose weight, start performing low-impact aerobic exercises, or seek physical therapy, you can avoid knee replacement surgery until it is absolutely necessary.

However, if you can’t fix your knee pain with these remedies, Ethos Health Group can help.

We have developed a proprietary HyalRegen-CT method as a comprehensive solution for those suffering from knee arthritis and chronic pain.

The specialists at Ethos Health Group perform lubricating injections under precision imaging guidance.

This advanced medical process adds the cushioning fluid that acts as a shock absorber back into and around your knee.

These F.D.A. approved injections can help your knees stimulate more of their natural fluid, giving you long-term benefits and relief.

To learn more about what the Ethos Health Group can do for your chronic knee pain, click the button below to schedule a free consultation.