Knee pain and arthritis can be a debilitating condition, affecting millions of people worldwide. While knee surgery may seem like the only solution, several non-surgical alternatives to knee surgery can effectively alleviate arthritic knee pain, sports injury knee pain, and the whole array of causes for knee pain. At Cutella Medical Spa, led by renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. Abyar, we always explore all cutting-edge non-surgical alternatives before considering knee surgery. In this article, we discuss five effective alternatives to knee surgery that can help you regain your quality of life and mobility.
Alternatives to Knee Surgery
#1. Corticosteroid Injections
Corticosteroid injections are a common and well-established treatment for knee pain caused by inflammation, such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Dr. Abyar often recommends this for patients experiencing acute pain or flare-ups. Corticosteroids are powerful anti-inflammatory drugs injected directly into the knee joint to provide rapid relief by reducing inflammation and alleviating pain. Corticosteroid injections can provide quick relief for a few months, but the effects tend to wear off over time, and multiple injections may be necessary.
#2. Viscosupplementation Injections
Viscosupplementation involves injecting a thick gel-like substance called hyaluronic acid into the knee joint. This natural lubricant helps cushion the joint and reduce friction, providing relief for osteoarthritis-related knee pain. Viscosupplementation injections are ideal for patients seeking a non-surgical solution with minimal side effects. The benefits of viscosupplementation include improved joint mobility, reduced pain, and increased comfort during daily activities. However, the results are not always permanent, and multiple injections may be required over time.
#3. PRP Injections
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a cutting-edge, non-surgical treatment that utilizes the patient’s blood to stimulate healing. A small amount of the patient’s blood is drawn, processed to concentrate platelets, growth factors, and other healing components, and injected into the knee joint. PRP injections promote tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and slow the progression of osteoarthritis. PRP therapy is a natural and autologous treatment, minimizing the risk of adverse reactions.
#4. Amniotic Membrane Injections
Amniotic membrane injections are a regenerative medicine approach to knee pain treatment. Amniotic membrane products are derived from the placenta and contain a rich source of growth factors, cytokines, and stem cells. These injections promote tissue regeneration, reduce inflammation, and stimulate the body’s natural healing processes. Amniotic membrane injections can provide long-lasting pain relief and improve knee function. However, the effectiveness of this treatment may vary among individuals.
#5. Exosome Injections
Exosome therapy is an emerging regenerative medicine approach that uses exosomes, small vesicles secreted by stem cells, to promote tissue repair and reduce inflammation. These injections target the root cause of knee pain by stimulating the regeneration of damaged tissues. With their ability to transfer vital information to the targeted cells, this therapy can stimulate optimal natural regeneration and healing. Exosome therapy is a promising alternative to knee surgery due to its potential for long-lasting results.
Explore Your Non-Surgical Knee Treatment Options
Dr. Eildar Abyar offers several orthopedic solutions from natural remedies to necessary surgery. At Cutella Medical Spa are dedicated to providing patients with the most effective and least invasive treatment options for knee pain. While knee surgery may be necessary in some cases, exploring non-surgical alternatives can be the key to relieving pain, improving function, and avoiding surgery. Please contact us to schedule your consultation with our fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon to explore your knee treatment options.
