Knee Arthritis Treatment Without Surgery: Bare Facts

Non-surgery knee arthritis treatment options

Knee arthritis (and Osteoarthritis (OA) which is the most common type of arthritis. It is a specific degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage), a common condition that causes pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints, can significantly impact daily life. Estimated worldwide market for knee replacement reaches 3.6 mln procedures converting in around $7.8 bln in cost in 2024 alone. While surgery may be an option for some, many seek alternatives to manage symptoms and improve mobility without undergoing invasive procedures. Here are the bare facts about non-surgical treatments for knee arthritis.

1. Lifestyle Modifications
One of the first lines of defense in managing knee arthritis without surgery involves making lifestyle adjustments. These changes can reduce stress on the knee joint and improve overall joint health.

  • Weight Management: Excess weight places additional strain on the knees, exacerbating arthritis symptoms. Losing even a small amount of weight can significantly reduce pain and improve function.
  • Activity Modification: Adjusting your activity level to avoid high-impact exercises, like running, and replacing them with low-impact activities, such as swimming or cycling, can help alleviate symptoms.

2. Exercise and Physical Therapy
Exercise is crucial in maintaining knee joint function and flexibility. However, it’s important to engage in the right types of exercises that don’t further stress the knee.

  • Strengthening Exercises: Building the muscles around the knee, particularly the quadriceps, helps support the joint and absorb some of the load, reducing pain.
  • Range of Motion Exercises: These exercises help maintain or improve the knee’s flexibility and reduce stiffness.
  • Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can tailor a program that includes stretches, strengthening exercises, and movement re-education to suit individual needs.

3. Medications
Non-surgical treatment often includes medications to control pain and inflammation. Common options include:

  • Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Medications like ibuprofen or naproxen help reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
  • Acetaminophen: Though not anti-inflammatory, acetaminophen can be effective for pain relief in those who cannot tolerate NSAIDs.
  • Topical Pain Relievers: Creams or gels containing NSAIDs or capsaicin can be applied directly to the skin over the knee joint to reduce pain.

4. Injections
For individuals who do not find relief through medications alone, injections may provide additional symptom management.

  • Corticosteroids: These powerful anti-inflammatory medications can be injected directly into the knee to reduce swelling and pain. However, their effects are temporary, and repeated use may damage the joint over time.
  • Hyaluronic Acid (HA): Often referred to as “viscosupplementation,” hyaluronic acid injections aim to lubricate the knee joint, improving movement and reducing pain. The benefits vary from person to person. A small scale study carried out in 2015 showed that after 6 month period of HA injections 32% of participants of the observation group had visible improvements.
  • Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: PRP injections, which use a concentration of the patient’s own platelets, may help reduce inflammation and stimulate healing in the joint, though more research is needed on its long-term effectiveness.

5. Bracing and Assistive Devices
Knee braces and other assistive devices can help support the knee and reduce pain during daily activities.

  • Unloading Braces: These are designed to shift weight away from the affected part of the knee, reducing pain during movement.
  • Cane or Walker: Using a cane or walker helps offload pressure from the knee, reducing discomfort during walking.

6. Complementary Therapies
Several complementary therapies may provide relief for knee arthritis symptoms when used alongside traditional treatments.

  • Acupuncture: Some studies suggest that acupuncture may help reduce arthritis pain, although results vary.
  • Massage Therapy: Gentle massage around the knee area can help improve circulation, reduce stiffness, and alleviate discomfort.
  • PEMF therapy: May be a helpful complementary treatment, especially for those looking to reduce reliance on medications or delay more invasive treatments like surgery. Therapy devices like Vega by Sensonica® help to reduce inflammation, alleviate painful sensations and accelerate tissues recovery.
  • Supplements: Glucosamine and chondroitin are commonly taken by people with arthritis. Though research is mixed, some individuals report improvements in symptoms after taking these supplements.

7. Dietary Considerations
Diet plays a key role in managing inflammation and joint health. While there is no specific “arthritis diet,” certain foods can help reduce inflammation in the body.

  • Anti-inflammatory Diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish like salmon) can help reduce systemic inflammation.
  • Supplements: Adding vitamin D, calcium, and antioxidants can support bone and joint health.

Knee arthritis treatment without surgery (as an ultimate recovery measure)  is often a multifaceted approach that combines lifestyle changes, exercise, medications, and other non-invasive therapies. While these treatments may not reverse the damage caused by arthritis, they can significantly reduce pain, improve mobility, and enhance the quality of life. For those seeking alternatives to surgery, working closely with healthcare professionals to develop a personalized treatment plan is key to managing the condition effectively.