Medically Reviewed By: Dr. David Warmflash (MD), Dr. Omar Samara (MD)
Alternatives to Knee Replacement Surgery
Struggling with knee pain but want to avoid surgery? Discover different alternatives to knee replacement surgery right here.
Watch Dr. Santana explain how stem cell therapy is done and what disorders can be treated using this novel therapy.
Stem Cell Therapy: A Novel Treatment
Alternative Treatment for Knee Replacement - Reviews
Stem Cell Therapy
Stem Cell Therapy
Knee Arthroscopy
Discover non-surgical solutions for knee osteoarthritis relief. Options range from home remedies to advanced treatments, offering alternatives to joint replacement surgery.
Know about alternative ways to relieve knee pain?
Latest Knee Replacement Alternatives
1. Stem Cell Therapy
Stem cell therapy uses the body's healing processes to repair tissues and cartilage. Watch Dr. Anand, PhD, talk about top clinics in Mexico maintaining top safety standards while processing stem cells.
Stem Cells for Chronic Pain
Research from Mexico shows the growing use of mesenchymal stem cells for treating osteoarthritis, chronic pain, and other health conditions[ 1].
Read the complete guide on Stem Cell Therapy in Mexico to know all this COFEPRIS-approved therapy.
See below the steps for how stem cell therapy is done.
Stem cells are extracted from fat tissue and the umbilical cord of the donor.
Freezing at −80°C helps preserve cell vitality better than the controlled freezing.
After processing, these stem cells are universally compatible for any patient.
Find best places to get trusted stem cell therapy
2. Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
- PRP therapy harnesses your body's healing power to regenerate tissues.
- Research indicates PRP is effective for mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis.[9]
- It offers pain relief and improved activity levels for a year after one injection .[10]
- However, the evidence of its efficacy is insufficient & requires more research.
Ultrasound-guided PRP
The process involves three steps:
Draw blood from the patient, then spin it at high speed in a centrifuge.
Extract platelets from the whole blood (procedure time: 1-2 mins).
A blend of PRP and local anesthetic is injected directly into the inflamed tissue.
Note: PRP therapy doesn't provide instant pain relief. The body needs time to heal and respond to the treatment.
Want to know about healing your body with PRP therapy?
3. Prolotherapy
- Prolotherapy is a non-surgical treatment that uses irritants to treat pain in tendons, joints, and ligaments.
- Prolotherapy uses substances like dextrose, morrhuate sodium, and PRP.[2]
- Research also shows that prolotherapy reduces pain and stiffness.
- It works by boosting your body’s ability to repair itself naturally.
Prolotherapy
4. Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Injections
- Hyaluronic acid is similar to a substance produced endogenously.
- It has special cells in joints called type B synovial cells, which acts like oil for your joints.
- HA injections provide up to six months of pain relief. Also it improved the joint function in knee osteoarthritis patients.[3]
- It's injected directly into the knee joint, typically around 2 ml.[4]
HA Injection
5. Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) – Minimally invasive
- GAE is a minimally invasive, nonsurgical intervention for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis.
- The procedure is performed by an Interventional Radiologist (IR).
- GAE restricts blood flow to inflamed knee linings.[14]
- This reduces inflammation and may alleviate or eliminate knee pain in osteoarthritis.
Genicular Artery Embolization
Doctors use an angiogram to see the blood vessels in your knee.
A catheter is used to locate blood vessels causing knee pain.
Doctors inject a special material to reduce blood flow in problem areas.
6. Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) - Minimally Invasive
- RFA is a minimally invasive knee replacement method that destroys the sensory nerves.
- The nerves transmit pain signals from the knee to the brain.
- The method is non-invasive in nature and has a low complication rate. Thus making it an excellent alternative to knee replacement surgery.
- Research indicates RFA is safe and effective for osteoarthritis pain and knee function.
- The FDA also approves the procedure.
RFA
X-rays or ultrasounds are used to guide the entire procedure.
A radiofrequency probe is inserted near the target nerve.
The probe heats the area for 90–120 seconds to damage the nerve.
The heat blocks pain signals from the nerve, reducing chronic pain.
Note: Pain relief can last 3–6 months, sometimes up to a year.[5]
Conventional Knee Replacement Alternatives
8. Medication and Steroid Shots
- Osteoarthritis pain can be treated with NSAIDs like diclofenac, ibuprofen, and naproxen[11].
- The most common side effects of anti-inflammatory painkillers are stomachache and indigestion.
- Only steroid injections have been proven to relieve osteoarthritis symptoms of the knee temporarily.[6]
Medication and Steroid Shots
7. Acupuncture (Therapeutic Option)
- Acupuncture uses thin, sharp needles to alter the energy flow within the body.
- It brings relief from joint pain and has a low risk.
- The latest guideline recommends 4-8 weeks of acupuncture for knee osteoarthritis.[10]
- The Arthritis Foundation guidelines support its use.[28]
Acupuncture
8. Physical Therapy – Yoga and Other Exercises
- Weight-bearing activities can help protect knee joints and reduce osteoarthritis risk.
- Long-term physical activity helps cartilage regenerate and stay healthy.
- The approach may include ice and heat therapy, neuromuscular training, and stretching exercises.
Yoga
9. Assisting Aids
Assisting aids include walking canes and braces.
These devices perform the following functions:
- Improve mobility
- Better stability and support
- Help prevent knee pain and inflammation from getting worse.
Knee Brace
Get smart alternate options to knee replacement surgery?
10. Ancient Medicine (Ayurveda)
- Ayurveda comprises massage, meditation, exercise, and a nutritional diet.
- Pain-reducing treatment through specific herbs is suggested for lubrication and
strengthening of joints.
- Recent research found that Ayurveda notably improved knee pain and function in severe osteoarthritis (Grade IV).[7]
Leg Massage - Ayurveda
11. Weight-Loss Strategy
- Obesity can put excess stress on the knee joint.
- A 10-15 pound weight loss in obese young individuals significantly reduces their future risk of osteoarthritis.
- Bariatric surgery can also reduce excessive load on weight-bearing joints.
- This can help reduce osteoarthritic symptoms such as difficulty walking and joint pain.
Diet Plan for Weight Loss
Find the perfect alternative for knee treatment for you!
Surgical Alternatives to Knee Replacement Surgery
Osteotomy
- Osteotomy involves removing weight from the affected part of the knee.
- Hence, this weight shift helps in relieving symptoms.
- This procedure helps if there is less damage on only one side of the knee.
- However, it works better on younger people.[33]
Knee Osteotomy
Arthroscopy
- Arthroscopy can repair a meniscus tear, ligament, bone, or cartilage inside the knee.
- It involves the use of a camera inserted through small incisions.
- Still, this technique may only help for some types of knee problems.
- It’s possible to go home a few hours after the procedure.
Knee Arthroscopy
Not sure if you want to go for surgical alternatives to knee replacement surgery? Get your case medically reviewed by our team of doctors.
Comparing Alternate Therapies
- Physical therapy & medications are budget-friendly, but their effectiveness varies.
- Injections like corticosteroids, HLA, PRP, and stem cell therapies offer potential pain relief but are more expensive.
- Braces & supports are cost-effective & less invasive, though their effectiveness can differ.
It depends on your knee's condition, health, and budget, so consult your doctor for the best plan.
Find the right treatment basis your health condition!
Cost of Alternative Treatment for Knee Replacement
The table below compares the costs of some popular knee surgery alternatives. Take a look.
| Treatment | Cost |
| Stem Cell Therapy | $5,000 - $8,000 |
| PRP Therapy** | $600 - $1,500 |
| Prolotherapy** | $200 |
| HLA Injections | $300 - $850 |
| Medications | >$15 |
| Corticosteroids^ | $120 - $140 |
| Acupuncture | $75 - $200 |
| Physical Therapy** | $50 - $350 |
| Assisting Aids (knee brace, walking cane) | $30 - $300 |
| Ayurveda** | $100 - $160 |
| Osteotomy | <$6,000 |
| Arthroscopy | $3,200 - $6,700 |
| Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) | $3,000 - $6,000 |
| Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) | $2,000 - $4,000 |
| Knee Replacement Surgery | >$30,000 |
First Knee: $10,000; Subsequent: $5,000 per joint, **per session, ^per shot |
|
*Prices are case-dependent.
Choose affordable holistic alternatives for knee pain
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some effective ways to fix knee pain without surgery?
Stem cells, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), hyaluronic acid injections, and steroid shots are some of the nonsurgical methods to manage knee pain.
Is acupuncture effective for knee pain?
Acupuncture may help reduce pain and inflammation by promoting blood flow and relaxation in the affected area.
Conclusion
Regenerative therapies like PRP or stem cells offer non-invasive ways to reduce pain.
Other options, like lifestyle changes and targeted therapies, enhance joint function.
Consulting a specialist helps in choosing the best path for mobility and life quality.
Need help finding the best alternate treatment for you?
