Knee Pain Treatment Without Surgery | A Harvard Doctor Explains The Top 5 Treatments
Knee Pain Treatment Without Surgery | The Risks of Knee Surgery
Knee pain is a common condition that affects millions of Americans every year. It can be attributed to chronic pain as a result of inflammation and arthritis pain, or pain sustained via a minor knee injury. Your knee is a complex joint containing many different muscles and ligaments. If left untreated, your knee pain can get worse and your ability to function in daily life may deteriorate over time.
Despite the risks associated with unnecessary knee replacement surgery, many orthopedic surgeons still rely on surgical solutions as the only option for knee pain treatment. Knee replacement surgery is common, but is not always necessary! Due to advances in pain medicine, expert pain doctors can now offer many successful, conservative treatment options to alleviate chronic knee pain and other knee conditions. Therefore, it is recommended that you visit a qualified pain doctor who can assess your situation and provide you with expert medical advice and conservative treatment options.
Nowadays, many orthopedic surgeons are quick to offer surgical procedures to target areas affecting the knee joint. However, there are many risks and dangers associated with unnecessary surgeries. Some risks include:
- Anesthesia side effects – vomiting, headaches, stroke and heart attacks (rare cases)
- Allergic reactions
- Blood clots
- Excessive bleeding
- Wound infection
In addition to these risks, it is no secret that the U.S. is currently facing an opioid epidemic. Research is demonstrating the negative consequences associated with taking an anti inflammatory drug for long periods of time.
Fortunately, there are many successful conservative treatment options available for knee problems that avoid these risks. The procedures are safer, minimally-invasive and return you to full health at a faster rate. Let’s take a look at the latest procedures available in pain medicine.
The Top 5 Knee Pain Treatment Options
The top goal of a pain doctor is to maximize health through minimally-invasive procedures. Advances in the field of pain medicine means that expert pain doctors now have access to the latest minimally-invasive treatments that avoid the need for knee replacement surgery. All of the following procedures are provided by Ivy League pain doctors who are leaders in the field of pain medicine. Let’s take a look at the best treatments available for knee pain.
Genicular Nerve Block
A Genicular Nerve Block is a great way to alleviate pain instantly due to anesthetic properties. This procedure involves a pain doctor injecting local anesthetic to block nerves that are responsible for transmitting pain. This will then be repeated around several points on the knee to block the genicular nerves from transmitting pain all around the knee. An X-ray machine is also used to ensure that the needle is positioned in the correct area. This is a popular treatment choice and is well-tolerated.
Genicular Nerve Radiofrequency Ablation
For lasting pain relief, a pain doctor might recommend this treatment option. It works by stopping the nerve supply so that the patient no longer feels joint pain. It involves the placement of heated needles with the assistance of an X-ray machine to guide the doctor. A local anesthetic is injected to numb the area and increase comfort. Upon receiving this procedure, patients are expected to rest for a few days. Patients can return to normal activities within three to five days and enjoy the benefits of this longer-lasting pain relief.
Platelet Rich Plasma (for osteoarthritis and tendonitis)
Your blood contains natural growth factors and platelets. These growth factors initiate natural healing processes in the body by arousing the surrounding stem cells and body tissues. Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections work by injecting the knee joint with your own platelets to stimulate growth and healing. It is a great way to use your body’s natural healing processes to promote the growth of healthy cells in your area of pain.
Steroid Injections
Steroids can reduce inflammation and are injected into veins, muscles and joints. First, the doctor applies a local anesthetic to the area to numb the knee. With the help of an X-ray, the doctor inserts a hollow needle into the knee joint. Once in the correct place, your pain doctor will then inject steroid medicine into the knee.
Viscosupplements
Viscosupplements are used to inject lubricating fluid into the knee joint. The pain management physician will apply local anesthetic to numb the knee joint. Next, hyaluronic acid will be injected into the knee. When injected into the joints, the fluid lubricates the joint and improves the gliding process of the joints. Hyaluronic acid is produced naturally in the body, so it is a safe and minimally-invasive procedure.
The Best Ivy League Doctors For Knee Pain
Pain doctors are experts in the field of pain medicine and have a wealth of knowledge, skill and experience to treat your knee pain. A qualified pain doctor will provide you with an expert medical assessment and subsequent diagnosis of your knee pain. Upon an assessment of the situation, they will recommend R.I.C.E. (rest, ice, compression, elevation) to reduce any pain and swelling, in addition to an expert physical therapist who can assist you. They will also provide advice regarding your lifestyle, such as tips for weight loss or movement modifications to help your knee.
Before committing to an unnecessary total knee replacement, consider visiting a Board Certified pain management physician who can assess you and answer any concerns you may have.
Let’s take a look at the leading experts in the field of pain medicine who offer these outstanding treatments.
Dr George Hanna
Dr Hanna is a pain doctor who is nationally recognized and double board-certified. His areas of expertise include Pain Management and Anesthesiology. He received his training from the prestigious Harvard Medical School as well as Massachusetts General Hospital. Dr Hanna has a wealth of experience to treat pain conditions and symptoms and has delivered several lectures in addition to publishing many scientific articles in the field of pain management. As a top knee doctor, knee pain causes and knee pain relief are of the highest priority. He is currently the Director of Pain Management at the VIP Medical Group.
Dr Michael Nguyen
Dr Nguyen is a triple board certified and world-renowned pain specialist. He studied at Harvard Medical School and is known around the world for offering the latest treatments and his high levels of expertise. He is an expert in Venous Medicine, Interventional Pain Management and Minimally Invasive Cosmetics. Many of the latest minimally invasive treatment options are a result of Dr Nguyen’s pioneering work! As a top pain doctor, his clinic is a Center of Excellence and welcomes doctors, patients and athletes from around the world.