Alternatives to Knee Replacement Surgery

Health and Wellness - General Health

By: hummingbirdee 12-Aug-2012

Introduction:

Sometimes there is not a choice when it comes to knee replacement surgery. The procedure needs to be done in order to have any kind of quality of life. However, there are alternatives to knee replacement surgery for some people. There is a non-surgical treatment program for those with osteoarthritis.

Symptoms

Osteoarthritis of the knee starts out with stiffness, especially when getting up in the morning. Knees also hurt when going up and down stair. Activities that were once enjoyed become more difficult to do. It is easy to ignore at this stage but it is the best time to think about alternatives to knee replacement surgery.

Medication

When knee pain is mild, many people start out with over the counter remedies like aspirin or Advil. Others turn to fish oil pills or ones containing Glucosamine, Chondroitin and MSM. This seems to be helpful for some while others continue to struggle still searching for alternatives to knee replacement surgery.

Viscosupplementation Injections

There are now non-surgical alternatives to knee replacement surgery. The FDA has approved the use of Viscosupplementation injections for treating knee Arthritis. Viscosupplementation bonds with joint fluid to help cushion and lubricate. Pain is reduced along with inflammation and swelling of the joint. The injections are done by experts using guided live motion x-rays. People usually see excellent results in as little as five weeks.

Physical Therapy

Personalized physical therapy programs help to keep the knees lubricated. A physical therapist will work with each patient individually to make sure they are progressing as they should. The patient does best when they take an active role. The first step is to seek help early and to follow the advice of a physician.

Covered By Insurance

Many people put off getting a proper diagnosis because they fear that it will be costly to take care of knee problems. Medicare and most insurance companies will pay for much of the treatment. Alternatives to knee replacement surgery are less costly in the long run. Insurance companies would rather a patient start with the alternatives before attempting expensive surgery.

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Comments

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snowfence 8/26/2012
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Thanks for the list of alternatives to knee replacement surgery.
dptstretch 8/14/2012
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wonderful list H5
hummingbirdee 8/14/2012
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Goodself, I am looking forward to the day when stem cell therapy (non embryo type) is perfected.
goodselfme 8/12/2012
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Well done list to which I can add stem cell replacement using your own stem cells. You have helped many with your alternatives.
thingsilike 8/12/2012
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Very informative. H5
JennyHeart 8/12/2012
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Great list of helpful information! People could try using Tommie Copper products like I did. My knees don't hurt very much any more.