There are plenty of knee replacement alternatives to avoid surgery.

Unfortunately, the frequency of total knee replacements remains on the rise and the numbers are staggering. As the general population continues to age, average weight increases and unhealthy lifestyles take a toll on our bodies, especially our joints, more specifically, our knees.

Sometimes, a patient who visits a doctor with severe knee pain looking for relief will be told that a total knee replacement is inevitable.

Fortunately, for patients who are unready to face the prospect of major surgery, there are a handful of knee replacement alternatives that have been used to successfully treat conditions such as:

Osteoarthritis

Meniscus tears

ACL tears

Tendinitis

Other knee joint conditions

Knee replacement alternatives are increasingly viewed as viable options, but are not asked about and researched as much as they should be.

Knee joint replacement has seen numerous strategies employed to improve the lifespan of a total knee replacement.

Exercising & Losing Weight

The first step toward repairing a damaged knee joint is to reduce the pain, stiffness, and swelling in order to prevent the loss of function.

Obesity has pronounced effects on joint stress. For every 10 pound weight gain, there is an associated increase in strain on joints, as much as 3 to 5 fold.

Conversely, weight loss will help with pressure on joints as well as have a beneficial effect on systemic diseases and inflammatory products. In addition, patients with high blood pressure or diabetes often reduce or eliminate their medications after weight loss.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy

Another total knee replacement alternative is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy. Through this process, the patient’s own blood is drawn and centrifuged to separate the red blood cells and plasma, leaving behind a rich concentration of platelets, white blood cells, and tiny stem cells. This concentrate is then injected into the damaged knee, which can facilitate an accelerated healing response.

The procedure is less aggressive and less expensive than surgery. It may heal tissue with minimal or no scarring, and may alleviate further degeneration of the tissues.

Regenerative Stem Cell Therapy

Stem cell knee therapy is becoming a popular alternative to knee replacement surgery. Through a method known as autologous transplantation, the cells are extracted from the patient’s bone marrow or fatty tissue, processed, and immediately injected into the damaged knee.

Andrew Duncan of Tampa Bay’s Top Real Estate Firm, Duncan Duo, discusses how he avoided knee replacement surgery with Dr. Lox

The procedure, performed within a single day, could provide the same results in a less traumatic way, without the risks of complications such as infection and blood clots. Many patients experience improvement within as little as one week.*

Some experts say that even most patients are able to return to normal activity following the procedure, which allows avoiding the painful and lengthy rehabilitation periods that are typically required after joint surgeries.

Alternatives to Total Knee Replacement Surgery for Elderly

There can be a lot of different factors causing knee pain for the elderly. Dr. Lox has frequently lectured on knee pain causes in the elderly.

The most common cause is knee arthritis or osteoarthritis, which can be treated with knee stem cell therapy, which is one of few successful alternatives to knee replacement surgery for the elderly.

Genetics may also play a role in elderly knee pain. Our cells may be programmed to live longer or have predetermined life spans passed on by generations.

Not everyone just wants pain relief as they age. They want to life a more active lifestyle for as long as they can.

A Regenerative Medicine Pioneer

Knee replacement alternatives, such as the platelet rich plasma (PRP) therapy and stem cell therapy can alleviate pain stemming from overuse, injury, autoimmune disorders, and degenerative arthritis without the risk or inconvenience of surgery.

The most appropriate treatment technique for each particular patient should be discussed with your physician.

Dennis M. Lox, M.D. has found that the combination of conservative therapies, such as pain medication, anti-inflammatories, and cortisone injections, with knee replacement alternatives that employ regenerative and reparative techniques, can effectively treat conditions previously believed to be untreatable.

Dr. Lox founded his center in 1990 with a vision of providing cutting-edge regenerative medicine and conservative pain treatment to improve the quality of life of his patients. Over the years, he has helped professional athletes, active seniors, trauma sufferers, and others overcome their discomfort and reclaim their lives.

With practices in Los Angeles, California and Tampa Bay, Florida, Dr. Lox strives to be one of the most sought-after physiatrists in the World. As a pioneer in regenerative medicine he has helped his patients stay as active as possible at any age

If you would like to learn more about knee replacement alternatives, contact Dr. Lox. In a warm and welcoming environment, Dr. Lox will discuss your condition, educate you on your options, and answer all of your questions regarding knee replacement alternatives.

*Individual results may vary.