Three alternatives to knee replacement surgery to consider

Osteoarthritis is one of the leading causes of knee pain, and, for some people with knee arthritis, surgery may be the best option for treating your symptoms. However, surgery can be risky, and that risk increases  as you grow older. That’s why people considering knee replacement surgery should also consider using these three alternatives to surgery: 

1.   Drop some weight

It’s true that many people are carrying around a few more pounds than normal, but you may not know how much this extra weight can affect your knees. In fact, just a few extra pounds can put a lot more stress on these joints. According to the Arthritis Foundation, one pound of extra weight actually places four pounds of added stress on the knee. To help you shed the pounds and, hopefully, avoid knee replacement surgery, adopt a healthy nutrition plan and incorporate plenty of leafy greens and low-sugar fruits into your diet. You should also consider adding in some low-impact exercises such as Pilates, yoga, swimming or walking to keep you active without placing more strain on your knees. 

2.   Eat more antioxidants

Inflammation is one of the biggest issues associated with knee arthritis. Eating more antioxidants can help you fight inflammation, allowing you to potentially avoid knee replacement surgery. The body produces inflammation as a natural response to injuries, and, in the case of knee arthritis, it’s created as a result of the grating of leg bones when cartilage is worn away. However, this natural response can also be extended and worsened by compounds called free radicals. 

Antioxidants are compounds that act like the Batman to the free radicals’ Joker. This is because they help the body remove free radicals, and this can help reduce inflammation in your knee. Getting more antioxidants is easy to do. For example, you can eat foods like oranges that are high in the antioxidant vitamin C. You can also add kale or spinach to your meals, helping you get antioxidants like vitamin E. 

3.   Participate in physical therapy

Physical therapy is also a knee replacement surgery alternative to consider if you have knee arthritis. At Advent Physical Therapy, our team has helped hundreds of Michigan residents find relief from knee arthritis symptoms. Our success is based on the fact that we personalize our therapy plans to each patient, and this is possible thanks to the many therapy techniques we have at our disposal. By choosing to use a personalized therapy plan from us, you could reap  benefits such as: 

• Reduced pain
• Improved range of motion
• Increased joint stability and support
• Decreased inflammation
• Improved ability to do normal daily activities

Contact us today to set up your initial appointment if relief from arthritis symptoms without surgery is your goal.