Suffering from chronic knee pain? If you have been told you have “arthritis,” “cartilage loss” or “bone-on-bone” changes, it does not necessarily mean you need knee replacement surgery.
An abnormal X-ray does not always mean that surgery is the only or immediate treatment option, according to Rochester Arthritis & Joint Pain Center.
The center, located in Fairport, New York, encourages patients to learn about non-surgical treatment options that may be appropriate before making a decision about joint replacement.
“Knee replacement can be an effective and appropriate treatment for some patients with advanced arthritis. But the decision should be based on more than an X-ray,” it said.
The centre highlighted that a patient’s pain, mobility, strength, overall health and ability to carry out daily activities should all be considered when deciding on treatment.
When should you get your knee evaluated?
The center explained that knee arthritis often develops gradually, with symptoms initially appearing only during certain activities. As the condition progresses, however, routine movements and everyday activities may become increasingly difficult.
Patients may also start adapting their daily routines around their knee pain without realising how much their mobility has changed. They may avoid stairs, stop taking longer walks, park closer to their destination or avoid participating in recreational activities they once enjoyed.
The center said such changes in mobility and daily function can be an important reason to have the knee properly evaluated.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
According to Rochester Arthritis & Joint Pain Center, the appropriate treatment depends on the individual patient, as well as the underlying cause and severity of the knee problem.
There is no single treatment that is suitable for everyone, and outcomes can vary from patient to patient.
The center noted that the goal should not simply be to “avoid surgery at all costs.” Instead, patients should understand the reasonable treatment options available to them and make an informed decision based on their individual circumstances.
For people who have recently been diagnosed with significant knee arthritis, or those who want to explore whether other treatment options are available, seeking another evaluation before making a major surgical decision may provide valuable information, the center said.
Patients with chronic knee pain can undergo an evaluation to identify factors that may be contributing to their symptoms and determine whether they may be suitable candidates for non-surgical treatment.
For patients considering knee replacement, the centre suggests asking the following questions before making a final decision:
- How advanced is my condition?
- What treatments have I already tried?
- Are there reasonable non-surgical options remaining?
- And at what point would surgery become the better choice?
The center said that having clear answers to these questions can help patients better understand their condition and make informed decisions about their care.
