For the vast majority of conditions, surgery is seen as the last line of defense. Even when the procedure has a high rate of success, surgery carries with it some additional risks that doctors will work to avoid if they believe that other treatments may be just as effective. This sentiment holds especially true for a procedure like knee or hip replacement. Dr. Botero and his team have a very high rate of success with joint replacement procedures, but it’s not often that it is the first care recommendation. Oftentimes the patient will be asked to pursue one or more conservative efforts before considering joint replacement.
But what are these other treatment options, and how can they help address the underlying problem in your joint? In today’s blog, we explore five ways you can work to treat your knee or hip discomfort before considering joint replacement surgery.
Treating Joint Discomfort Without Surgery
Here’s a look at five ways you can work to treat your joint pain without surgery:
- Exercise/Weight Loss – Exercising and working to lose just a little weight can go a long way in calming joint discomfort. The more you weigh, the more stress your hips and knees have to handle with every step you take. By shedding just a little weight, you can take an immense amount of strain off your joints. Exercise also helps by strengthening structures that support your joints. When supportive structures are stronger, there is less stress placed on the joint itself. Moving more and losing a little weight can be a great way to minimize joint discomfort.
- Physical Therapy – Along a similar vein, physical therapy can also be a wonderful option for patients looking to treat their joint discomfort without surgery. Like exercise, physical therapy works to strengthen the joint and its supportive structures so that it can better handle the stress it’s under. Targeted physical therapy exercises will also help to maintain flexibility and range of motion in nearby structures, which can make it so that movement remains comfortable. If you’re hoping to avoid joint replacement surgery, there’s a good chance some sessions with a physical therapist are in your future.
- Bracing – Another treatment technique that pairs well with other options listed here is bracing. A soft or rigid knee brace can provide some additional support and protection to the joint so that normal actions don’t have such an effect on the joint. Bracing alone likely won’t prevent the need for joint replacement surgery, but it can provide some additional support when paired with active interventions on this list.
- Injections – If hip or knee pain is making it hard for you to comfortably pursue exercise or physical therapy, it may be time to ask your doctor about a corticosteroid injection. These targeted injections deliver anti-inflammatory medication directly to the affected joint, and they can provide pain relief for an extended period. They don’t treat the underlying cause of inflammation, but these injections make it easier for you to pursue exercise or physical therapy and experience the benefits of these treatments. Like bracing, an injection is typically paired with active treatments for best results.
- Anti-Inflammatory Medications – Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications are likely one of the first treatment methods you’ll pursue when you notice new or worsening joint pain. These medications help by calming inflammation that can be causing discomfort, but again, they aren’t designed to treat the issue within the joint that’s causing inflammation to develop in the first place. Anti-inflammatories can make it easier to get through the day or to pursue active interventions, but they aren’t a magic pill that will solve all your joint problems. Pairing them with exercise or physical therapy gives you the best chance at finding long-term joint pain relief.
If you’re interested in learning more about any of these techniques, or you want to talk with a professional about your knee or hip pain, reach out to Dr. Botero and his team today at (865) 558-4444.
