Is Total Knee Replacement Surgery the Only Option for Knee Pain?

Do you have knee pain that affects your ability to carry out even the simplest of tasks? Well, you’re not alone. Many people wonder if knee pain is the only available solution. Through this blog, we aim to explain non-surgical options for knee pain treatment often recommended by orthopaedic specialists. Along with the non-surgical options, surgical options to support your recovery process are also stated. Lastly, the steps to take before a knee replacement surgery, along with a detailed timeline required during recovery, are also mentioned. Continue reading to get a better understanding of the treatment relevant to your case.

A] Non-Surgical Options For Knee Pain Treatment

Non-surgical options for knee pain are often recommended in combination with other treatments. Some of these non-surgical options include:

• Medicines

Medicines are often prescribed in the initial stage. This includes paracetamol, NSAIDs, topical gels, and even certain supplements. Injections for quick pain relief can also be administered directly into your knee joint. For more treatment options, check our services for pain management.

• Posture And Walking Pattern

There are certain postures that can worsen your joint pain. These include locking your knees while standing, sitting in the same position for a long time, and standing upright with unequal weight on both your legs.

• Physical Therapy

Rather than relying on medicines alone, physical therapy is another non-surgical treatment option that works quite well for the management of knee pain. The goal of exercises here is to improve your strength and flexibility. Generally, 2-3 sessions per week can be conducted.

• Knee injections

Knee injections are a non-surgical treatment option often suggested when medicines, physical therapy or lifestyle changes show no effect. As they are administered directly, they are helpful in providing targeted relief. These are known to significantly improve mobility, delaying the need for surgical intervention.

• Lifestyle Changes

Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the easiest ways to decrease pressure on your knee joints. A diet rich in calcium and vitamin D will provide additional benefits, like reducing inflammation levels. Lastly, be sure to use good, well-cushioned shoes and avoid flats or high heels for the time being. Continue using supportive devices if required.

B] Surgical Options For Knee Pain Treatment

Depending on the level of joint damage, different types of knee replacement surgery can be recommended by your surgeon. Some common surgical options for knee pain treatment include:

• Total Knee Replacement

Total knee replacement is an advanced surgical procedure where the knee joint is replaced with an artificial joint, commonly known as a prosthesis. Patients with advanced osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and chronic knee pain are often recommended a total knee replacement. This surgery is only suggested when the other non-surgical options fail to provide the intended relief.

• Partial Knee Replacement

In a partial knee replacement, only the damaged part of your knee is changed instead of the entire joint. This surgery is suggested for patients where damage to only one compartment of their knee is observed. Compared to a total knee replacement, this surgical procedure is less invasive and has a quicker recovery time.

• Robotic Knee Replacement

A robotic knee replacement is an advanced form of surgery that can be used for either total knee replacement or partial knee replacement. In this, a 3D model of the patient’s knee is created, after which the surgeon places the implant with high accuracy. A major advantage of this surgery is that there is reduced damage to the surrounding tissue.

C] Getting Ready Before A Knee Replacement Surgery

Getting ready before a knee replacement is just as vital as the surgery steps. Following proper steps allows for a faster recovery process. Here are some measures that we suggest:

• Proper Evaluation

A detailed medical evaluation might be suggested for the selection of the right treatment. Details relating to your examination will be noted. Any pre-existing medical conditions should be managed well before your surgery. Certain fitness and imaging tests might also be administered. Read our blog on when to seek an orthopaedic surgeon to get more information on the other diagnostic methods used.

• Pre-Surgery Exercises

Certain pre-surgery exercises might be suggested under the guidance of your doctor. These can include quad sets, straight leg raises, knee bending, leg kicks, and more. Read this article from AAOS for detailed guidance on various exercises you can do before your knee replacement surgery.

• Making Certain Arrangements

Making certain arrangements in your home can reduce risks related to falls or injuries. This can include a bed on the ground floor, installing handrails in the bathroom and creating clutter-free places, among others.

D] Recovery Timeline After A Knee Replacement Surgery

Recovery after a knee replacement surgery is a gradual process. Here is a detailed recovery timeline based on days, weeks and months:

• Days

Severe pain is usually felt on day 0, for which strong painkillers might be prescribed. Day 1 is when physiotherapy through simple exercises begins. The pain usually begins to subside by day 3.

• Weeks

Weeks 1-6 are again focused on increasing daily activities. Use of a walker or cane can slowly be introduced. In the last weeks, the patients will be encouraged to walk without support. Some light household activities can be done.

• Months

After 2-3 months, the patients are expected to walk without a cane. Low-impact exercises such as walking and swimming can be done. Patients find themselves actively participating in travel and social outings. After 1 year, patients can resume most of their daily activities.

Conclusion

Don’t let knee pain hamper your daily activities. Today, both surgical and non-surgical treatment options are available thanks to the advances in modern orthopaedics. Consult Dr Tanay Prabhoo, an orthopaedic doctor in Andheri, to know which treatment options apply to your case. Consulting an experienced orthopaedic specialist ensures improved joint function and a safe return to your daily activities. Along with knee pain management, we also provide services for spine and other musculoskeletal conditions. Get personalised services for minimally invasive procedures that are here to assist you from diagnosis to recovery through Dr Tanay Prabhoo.

Dr. Tanay Prabhoo

Inspired by a passion to improve lives through advanced orthopedic care, Dr. Tanay Prabhoo embarked on his medical journey over a decade ago. As a skilled Orthopedic and Spine Surgeon, he has committed himself to treating musculoskeletal and spinal conditions, offering his patients innovative, tailored treatment plans.