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Have you been told you have severe arthritis, but you are not ready for knee replacement surgery? You will be happy to know that there are several non-operative options that may be effective in delaying knee replacement surgery.
Long acting anti-inflammatory medicine – These medicines are called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs. Available as a prescription or over-the-counter, NSAIDs can be very effective in reducing the overall pain level associated with the arthritis, and may also limit the amount of swelling which forms in the knee. It is important to let your primary care physician know if you're taking these drugs regularly, as common side effects include G.I. or kidney issues.
Bracing – When arthritis is present in only part of the knee, consideration could be given to an offloading brace. These braces are designed to shift your weight away from the area of arthritis and towards the parts of the knee where cartilage is still OK. This can significantly reduce the amount of arthritic pain one experiences.
Depending on the type of insurance you have, these braces can be expensive. On average, they cost approximately $1000, with insurance most commonly covering approximately 80% of the cost. Also, these braces can slide down the leg, particularly in warmer weather if sweat is present on the skin.
Cortisone injections – Cortisone injections can be highly effective in treating arthritic symptoms. They can be performed during a regular office visit, and typically only require a few seconds. Approximately 90% of patients will experience relief of symptoms following a cortisone injection. Unfortunately, the duration of the relief can vary, ranging from many months to just a couple of days. Also, diabetic patients may experience an increase in blood sugar levels for the first few days following an injection.
Viscosupplementation injections – Viscosupplementation injections, or "gel injections," are another type of injection used to treat symptoms of arthritis. These injections are typically given as a series of three injections done weekly over three weeks. Approximately 70% of people receiving these injections report improvement in symptoms. The duration of this relief varies from patient to patient. Insurance companies will generally cover the injections every six months. Out-of-pocket expense is dependent on the insurance company.
