What to do about knee arthritis

Question: I have been told that I have arthritis in my knee. I’m only 47 years old and feel I am too young for knee replacement, but the pain is keeping me from doing the activities I enjoy. Should I have the surgery?

Answer: There are many treatment options for knee arthritis, and it is very rare for me to recommend a knee replacement as the first option in a 47-year-old patient. Many factors are considered, including which part of the knee is affected, what medical problems the patient may have, what treatments he/ she has already tried, and the activity level of the individual.

Treatment may include simple things like activity or workout modifications, physical therapy, rest, ice, and short-term anti-inflammatory medications. Sometimes, a knee brace is helpful when the knee is only painful during certain activities or if the patient is “bow-legged.” Injections are used to treat flareups. These may include traditional cortisone or, more recently, the “lubricant” injections which are offered in one, three-, and fiveshot formulas. Another relatively new injection called PRP has shown very good results.

Arthroscopic surgery and other bone-preserving procedures are also used when the patient is relatively young, active and in good shape.

There are many factors to consider and an orthopaedic surgeon can guide you in making the best decision for your knee.