Medically Reviewed by Eric Heimberger, MD
Nagging knee or hip pain can be mentally aggravating while keeping you from enjoying life. McLeod Orthopedic Surgeon Eric Heimberger, M.D. provides a list of more than a half dozen more conservative, non-surgical options that might help you avoid surgery:
Key points to remember:
Before an orthopedic specialist turns to surgery, they usually will try one or more of these conservative treatments:
- Anti-inflammatory medications – Motrin, ibuprofen, Aleve, Advil, Celebrex and Tylenol
- Modify your activity – Avoid activities that make symptoms worse: kneeling, squatting or repetitive stair climbing.
Cortisone injections – typically meant for the knee, offer temporary relief from symptoms for a couple weeks to several months.
- Visco supplementation – also called gel shot, is used only for the knee, primarily for patients with mild arthritis.
- Physical therapy – helps patients withknee or hip arthritis regain some mobility and decrease pain.
- Bracing – an option for the knee. However, some braces are very bulky and uncomfortable in the warm weather.
- Weight loss – can reduce stress on the knee and hip joints, delaying the immediate need for surgery.
Also, check out these helpful articles:
Nine Things You Should Know About Joint Replacement
4 Pointers to Make the Most of Your Knee or Hip Joint Replacement
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