Knee pain can impact your daily routine and diminish your quality of life. It is advisable to consider joint preservation Cumming treatment to avoid surgery. You can rely on Stephen Fisher, M.D., to perform a thorough assessment before recommending treatment.
What is joint preservation?
Joint preservation is a treatment process focusing on repairing a dysfunctional joint to avoid replacement. Medical protocols recommend preservation over replacement since the former results in fewer surgical procedures. Therefore, the treatment avoids complications prevalent in invasive procedures, such as infections and longer recovery.
Osteoporosis forces the knee cartilage to deteriorate, causing excruciating pain. Your practitioner must first assess the extent of the damage before deciding between preservation and replacement. If you can’t fix the joint, a complete replacement is necessary.
On the other hand, when there is minor damage to the joint, a complete replacement is not ideal. The surgical process is usually irreversible. Joint preservation can rehabilitate the joint and eliminate discomfort and pain. Preservation restores function without prosthetics or implants.
Diagnosing knee joint pain
If you have been experiencing knee pain, it is advisable to consult your doctor. Timely treatment can avert surgical procedures. Your practitioner will perform physical exams and ask you questions about your symptoms. An assessment of your medical history will also inform the final diagnosis.
The appointment also involves taking x-rays to assess the position of the knee. CT scans provide 3D images to determine the movement and function of the joint.
An arthroscopy is an advanced tool your practitioner may use to examine the joint. It involves making a minute incision to insert a miniature camera into your body. Arthroscopy is necessary when your provider wants to establish the precise extent of tissue damage.
Treatment options for joint preservation
The purpose of joint preservation is to delay or avoid invasive procedures or surgical treatment as much as possible. Your provider will use the initial medical assessment to determine the best process for your case.
Some of the options may include:
- Physical therapy: Physical therapy seeks to improve the joint’s range of motion and muscle strength. You will learn how to use the correct muscle for strenuous activities. Proper movement can reduce stress on the joint and facilitate healing.
- Corrective biomechanics: Biomechanics involve joint realignment and ligament tissue repair around the knee. It seeks to repair the joint by addressing deformities in your knee. You can restore function and manage pain by correcting the knee’s alignment.
- NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Medication): Research shows NSAIDs can relieve inflammation in people with arthritis or severe joint pain. Your doctor will determine if you are an ideal candidate for NSAIDs and prescribe the correct dosage to avoid toxicity.
- Orthobiologics: Orthobiologics is the use of PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) to restart the body’s healing process. They contain growth factors and stem cells, encouraging cell regeneration and promoting healthy tissue regrowth.
Sometimes surgery is the best option, especially when the symptoms are severe. But your provider will work to save the joint and avoid complications as much as possible.
