As today’s active baby boomers are confronted with knee, hip, and other joint pain, they are not content to “sit out” the rest of their lives. Osteoarthritis can affect younger patients as well and with modern alternatives available, joint replacement surgery need not be the first choice they undertake.
Since Arthritis Awareness Month is upon us, it is an ideal time to learn more about osteoarthritis and look at some arthritis treatments to try before resorting to joint replacement.
As we get older, 1 in 2 adults will develop the symptoms of osteoarthritis, or OA, according to the Arthritis Foundation. The cartilage that acts as a cushion between our bones breaks down causing pain, swelling, and stiffness in our joints. The bones rub and grind against each other causing pain and reduced function.
Surgery should not always be your first choice. If you prefer to keep your joint instead of deciding immediately to undertake an invasive surgery, look for three requirements. Any alternative should:
There are some initial things anyone can try to keep their joint intact.
Some of the following alternatives are common treatments. Not all are covered by insurance, and a few are experimental, so it’s important to consult with your doctor:
Hyaluronic acid is found naturally in the body and it is used to lubricate the joint. It reduces inflammation in the lining of the knee joint, improves mobility, and lasts approximately six months.
These injections help almost everyone in varying degrees and usually last a few months before another injection is needed.
This surgical technique uses a tiny camera to fix tears in the knee tissue, hips and shoulder. It repairs cartilage, removes loose cartilage, and repairs ligaments. It can delay or eliminate the need for joint replacement surgery.
This temporary alternative uses heat to block the nerves and numbs the pain. It can last six to eighteen months.
Tissue is taken from one part of the body and transplanted to another. In clinical trials, this has proven hopeful for preventing the progression of arthritis.
Platelet Rich Plasma is another experimental alternative. Platelet cells release chemicals to induce blood clotting and prevent bleeding. They also stimulate tissue repair. Not covered by insurance, this injection will treat tendons, ligaments, muscles, and joints.
You don’t have to suffer from Osteoarthritis. Talk to your one of our orthopedic specialists about the right treatment for you! For a consultation, give us a call today at (702) 285-3773 or you can request an appointment online using our secure form.
Sources:
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/joint-preservation-vs-replacement-whats-your-best-option/
https://www.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/treatments/joint-surgery/types/joint-surgery-procedure-options.php
https://www.healthline.com/health/total-knee-replacement-surgery/alternatives