Last Updated on April 4, 2024
Knee replacement surgeries have skyrocketed in popularity and frequency in the United States. However, new research presented in the Journal of Arthritis and Rheumatology is suggesting that fewer than half of the knee surgeries performed were deemed appropriate, meaning that the risks outweighed the risks.
Even more alarmingly is the fact that more people are having the surgery at a younger age. Knee replacements are only good for 10-15 years after which they will need to be replaced. Younger patients lead more active lives which further reduces the lifetime of knee replacements.
The majority of the knee replacements are being done to treat the condition known as osteoarthritis. The article clearly states that patients are being pushed towards surgery rather than being offered less invasive techniques. Not only do the other treatment options control knee pain and extend the life of the knee, but they also minimize the risk and financial burden of the surgery.
There are many non-surgical options available for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee. These include supplementation, proper nutrition, movement therapies, strength building, and acupuncture.
At Inner Gate Acupuncture we have studied the anatomy and physiology of the knee to understand how the forces of several different muscle groups are displaced across the knee joint. We work on helping you balance these muscle groups to help best support your knee.
Acupuncture directly at the knee joint is an effective tool for helping control the inflammation associated with osteoarthritis. Both the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the World Health Organization (WHO) support the use of acupuncture for the treatment of osteoarthritis.
If you or someone you know is considering a total knee replacement surgery make sure they know the risks and benefits associated with the surgery. We encourage you to fully explore non-surgical treatment options first and extend the life of your knee before considering replacement surgery.
We would be happy to spend 10 minutes on the phone discussing your case and helping you best understand your non-surgical options.