When I was first diagnosed with breast cancer, I didn't know what I was going to do. After the devastation subsided, I decided to take a very standard, western approach to my healing. Although initial efforts were successful, my cancer recurred a few months later. I endured many additional months of treatment before I started focusing on myself. I decided it was time to incorporate complimentary alternative treatments into my healing regimen, including massage therapy. I can't even begin to tell you how much it changed my life. My healing became a process, instead of something I simply had to endure. I hope that the articles on my website can inspire you to stay open-minded about your own healthcare.
If you have osteoarthritis of your knee and have a lot of knee pain, you may be looking for treatment options that will help so you can put off having surgery. While a knee replacement is an option in some cases, if you're leery about surgery or you don't have time for a long recovery, then you might want to consider some of these non-surgical knee osteoarthritis treatments.
Hyaluronic Acid Injections Provide Lubrication
Hyaluronic acid is sometimes used as a treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee. Osteoarthritis causes a wearing down of the cartilage in your knee, and when bone grinds against bone, you experience pain. Hyaluronic acid is present in your body normally, and it acts as a lubricant. When the doctor injects hyaluronic acid into your knee, it lubricates your knee joint so you can move and bear weight with less pain.
There are different brands of hyaluronic acid injections. Some require just one injection while others require a few shots spaced over several weeks. The effects of one of these injections might be felt for several months.
PRP Injections Stimulate Tissue Repair
Another type of knee injection your doctor might suggest is platelet-rich plasma. Platelet-rich plasma is taken from your blood right before it's injected into your knee. A blood sample is taken and spun in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets in the plasma. The plasma is then injected into your knee to stimulate the growth of tissue repair that helps cushion your knee joint so you have less pain.
The effects of PRP injections could last for months, and then you can have repeat injections if they're needed. This could help you postpone or eliminate the need for surgery.
Corticosteroid Injections Provide Pain Relief
Corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory medications that help with pain relief. They can't provide lubrication or cushioning for your joint, but if you have a lot of pain, your doctor might recommend corticosteroid injections for long-term relief. You might need to have the injections repeated every few months for maintenance.
While these non-surgical knee osteoarthritis treatments can be effective at relieving your pain and helping you be mobile, your doctor might also recommend lifestyle changes, such as losing weight and getting regular low-impact exercise. You might also need to take oral pain relievers and use ice occasionally to help with inflammation and pain. These treatments may not reverse your arthritis, but they can help you manage pain and stay active so you have a higher quality of life without the need for surgery until absolutely necessary.
Contact a joint clinic in your area, such as Regenerative Joint Clinics, for more information.
Share17 December 2021
