Total knee replacements (TKRs) have provided millions of people with pain relief and a better life. But, in some instances, patients are not ready for TKR and want to explore other options. In circumstances where conservative treatment options have failed, Pain Management can be an effective solution. Here’s everything you need to know:
How Pain Management Treats Severe Knee Arthritis
At Total Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, our Pain Management Physicians work with the our Orthopedic Surgeons to come up with the best possible treatment plan for the patient. We have locations across Long Island, Brooklyn and the Bronx. Treatment options are numerous, but the 4 most common are:
- Topical Medications. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) and anesthetic drugs come in the form of creams and patches. When applied to the knee, they decrease inflammation and pain. Most topical medications are now covered by insurance.
- Steroid Injections. A pain management physician can inject steroids directly into the knee joint for fast acting pain relief. Steroid injections can be given in three-month increments as a long-term treatment option.
- Cartilage component injections. The material that makes up cartilage can be injected into the knee joint to lubricate the joint and decrease bone-on-bone contact. Three injections are given over the course of three weeks. The most brands are Synvisc and Supartz.
- Trigger point injections. Inflamed muscles surrounding the knee can increase pain. Anesthetic medication can be injected into such muscles to help the problem.
- Pain medications. Non-narcotic and narcotic pain medication can be given to manage pain.
Making an Appointment with One of Our Pain Management Experts
If you’ve been diagnosed with severe knee arthritis and aren’t ready for a TKR, pain management can help you live a normal, pain-free life until it’s time for surgery. Any, all, or any combination of the above-mentioned treatment options can be used in conjunction with physical therapy and activity modification for ultimate pain relief.
The physicians at Total Orthopedics and Sports Medicine focus on both the surgical and non-surgical treatment of bone and joint injuries as well as arthritis. Renowned experts Dr. Charles Ruotolo, Dr. Richard McCormack, Dr. Brett Spain and Dr. Paul Pipitone lead our Knee Team and works hand in hand with our expert Pain Management Team. Fortunately, many patients can be treated non-surgically with a combination of conservative modalities coordinated by the Total Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Team.
If surgery is necessary, the practice uses a multidisciplinary approach to create a treatment plan that focuses on the patient’s lifestyle and activities and helps them get back to those activities quickly and effectively. Total Orthopedics and Sports Medicine has locations throughout Long Island, Brooklyn and the Bronx.
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