Introduction
Sudden joint pain while walking, a crunching sound as you make your way up to the stairs, constant pain and numbness, all are signs of the need to get the knee joint replacement surgery. But, would you really get the surgery done as soon as you see the symptoms? Probably not. There are so many reasons for an individual to avoid comprehensive orthopaedic treatments such as knee arthroplasty right away, such as concerns about hospital stay, recovery time, high costs of knee replacement procedures, post-surgery complications, or simply the hope that the pain might go away on its own.
In addition to that, there could be other reasons such as the low intensity of the pain, conservative management techniques or the availability of alternative treatments. This leads to a very common yet important question: Can the alternative treatment methods delay the need for total or partial knee replacement surgeries?
The answer is yes. Before we begin, let us understand what exactly knee pain is and how it is caused.
What is Knee Pain & Where to Consult for it in Latur?
Usually, after the age of 40, due to the wearing away of the joint cartilage, joint cracks and pain start to appear. It is not a symptom of ageing, but it usually indicates an underlying medical condition. The most common cause of knee pain, or any joint pain for that matter, is osteoarthritis. It is a condition where the protective cushioning between your joints, known as cartilage, starts to wither away, leading to rubbing of bones against each other. This leads to cracks, pain, swelling, stiffness, and eventually reduced mobility and flexibility.
When it begins, it is usually noticeable while climbing stairs or walking, but over time, it may show up at any time, even during sleep. That’s why Dr Shashikant Kukale, one of the top orthopaedics, suggests detailed clinic examination and timely treatment of the same in order to avoid the chances of a full-fledged surgery. At his hospital, in Latur, Maharashtra, patients receive expert consultation and guidance to understand their condition along with the most suitable remedy.
Understanding the Total Knee Replacement Procedure
Total knee replacement surgery is a surgical procedure recommended and performed by orthopaedic surgeons when the knee joint gets severely damaged, and alternative treatments fail. During this surgical process, damaged cartilages and bones are removed, and artificial implants are added. The main purpose of this exercise is to correct deformity, relieve pain, and increase joint flexibility.
Dr Shashikant Kukale, a founder at Trimurti Hospital, Latur, Maharashtra, and considered one of the best orthopaedic consultants, is well-experienced to perform partial or total knee replacement surgeries using the advanced technology and skill that can really improve patients’ mobility and flexibility.
What are Alternative Treatments, and can they delay Consultation with Surgeons?
In the early or moderate stages of knee arthritis, alternative treatment procedures can really do magic to avoid or delay the chances of the full-blown surgical procedure. However, these techniques work best only if started early and followed diligently.
Lifestyle Changes & Weight Management
One of the most widely recommended methods to alleviate joint pain in the body is changing your lifestyle. Reducing body weight by eating a protein-rich diet, regular walking, and calming techniques such as meditation can really help with joint pain. Even a 5% to 10% reduction in weight can do wonders for your joint pain.
Medications and Injections
Medications in the form of pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, and muscular pain gels are used to alleviate the symptoms but not to treat the damage caused. Additionally, injections are given to the patients to lubricate the joints to improve mobility and reduce swelling.
Physiotherapy & Light Exercises
Physiotherapy is considered one of the most effective alternatives to joint surgery. Physiotherapy is concerned with the strengthening of the muscles around the knee joint to enable better and stronger support to the joint, thereby reducing the pain and discomfort to a large extent. However, this method will only give you results if you are consistent with it.
External Support
Knee caps or supporters are also recommended by doctors as they help distribute the pain within the joint and improve mobility. However, it is to be noted that it is only a supporting mechanism; it does not solve the underlying issue causing the pain and discomfort.
When do these Alternative Treatment Options Stop Working?
As mentioned above, alternative techniques are only suitable when the pain is early or moderate. With time, as the cartilage loses its strength and bones start to rub with each other, pain becomes persistent, thereby causing increased friction. In this scenario, patients may experience sharp pain while walking, night discomfort, heavy joint stiffness, and visible swelling on the knee.
At this stage, it is highly recommended to undergo the surgery as further delay may only increase the suffering and reduce the patient’s quality of life.
Dr Shashikant Kukale’s renowned orthopaedic practice is widely recognised in Latur, Maharashtra, India, offering new-age arthroscopic surgery, quality alternative treatments, and complex trauma care to transform the lives of thousands. His clinic is equipped with advanced MRI and CT scanners, ensuring the highest standards of care, quick orthopaedic surgeries, and comprehensive treatment for diseased and damaged joints — combining compassion with cutting-edge technology to avoid long waiting lists.
निष्कर्ष
Alternative therapies can indeed play a very important role in managing the symptoms and providing relief to thousands suffering from arthritis. But here’s the catch – these treatment options are only meant to control the symptoms, and not to permanently cure the deformity. That is why, timely and correct surgical intervention is still the most appropriate method to cure the damage done and ensure faster recovery with precision and care.
Under the supervision of Dr Shashikant at Trimurti Hospital, Latur, Maharashtra, patients experience world-class orthopaedic care and are offered advanced treatments for joint pain after an accurate analysis of whether alternative treatments would suffice or if surgery is required to cure the damage done.
If you’re experiencing consistent joint pain and are not sure as to how to go about it, please consult one of the top Orthopaedic doctors today: Dr Shashikant Kukale.