Managing Knee Osteoarthritis without Surgery

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease that affects millions of people worldwide, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility in the knee joint. While surgical interventions such as knee replacement are common for advanced cases, many patients prefer to explore non-surgical treatment options first. Under the expert guidance of Dr. Deven R Kuruwa, this blog outlines evidence-based strategies to manage knee osteoarthritis without surgery, helping you maintain an active lifestyle and improve your quality of life.

Understanding Knee Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones gradually wears down. In the knee, this leads to:

• Joint pain during movement or weight-bearing activities
• Stiffness, particularly after periods of inactivity
• Swelling around the knee joint
• Crepitus, a grating sensation during knee movement

Risk factors include age, obesity, previous knee injuries, repetitive stress on the joint, and genetics. Early diagnosis and intervention can slow progression and alleviate symptoms without resorting to surgery.

Core Non-Surgical Management Strategies

1. Physical Therapy and Exercise

A structured exercise program is the cornerstone of knee osteoarthritis management without surgery. Key components include:

• Strengthening exercises: Focus on quadriceps, hamstrings, and hip muscles to support the knee joint. Examples: straight-leg raises, mini-squats, and hamstring curls.
• Range-of-motion exercises: Gentle stretches to maintain flexibility, such as heel slides and knee bends.
• Low-impact aerobic activities: Swimming, cycling, and walking help improve cardiovascular health without overstressing the knee.

A physical therapist can design a customised routine, monitor progress, and adjust exercises as needed.

2. Weight Management

Excess body weight places additional stress on knee joints—each extra kilogram increases knee load by approximately four kilograms with every step. Effective weight loss strategies include:

• Balanced diet: Emphasise whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats.
• Portion control: Use smaller plates and mindful eating techniques.
• Regular physical activity: Combine aerobic and resistance exercises.

Even modest weight loss (5–10% of body weight) can significantly reduce knee pain and improve function.

The Importance of Early Intervention

• Slows cartilage degeneration
• Reduces pain and inflammation
• Maintains muscle strength and joint stability
• Delays or prevents the need for surgery

Consulting with Dr. Deven R Kuruwa early enables a personalized treatment plan tailored to your symptoms, lifestyle, and goals.

Symptom-Targeted Treatments

1. Medications

• Acetaminophen (Paracetamol): First-line for mild to moderate pain relief.
• NSAIDs: Ibuprofen or naproxen can reduce pain and inflammation. Use under medical supervision to minimize gastrointestinal or cardiovascular risks.
• Topical analgesics: Creams or gels containing NSAIDs or capsaicin applied directly to the knee can offer localized relief.

2. Intra-Articular Injections

• Corticosteroid injections: Provide potent anti-inflammatory benefits, often offering relief for several weeks to months. Best used sparingly to avoid cartilage damage with repeated injections.
• Hyaluronic acid (viscosupplementation): Mimics natural joint fluid, improving lubrication and shock absorption. Effects may last several months and are suitable for mild to moderate OA.
• Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP): Autologous platelet concentrate may promote tissue healing and reduce inflammation. Emerging evidence suggests promising outcomes, though it may not be universally available.

Advanced Symptom-Relief Modalities

1. Emerging Injection Therapies

• Stem cell treatments: Mesenchymal stem cells from bone marrow or adipose tissue aim to support cartilage repair. Current studies are promising but still preliminary; discuss eligibility and risks with Dr. Kuruwa.
• Autologous conditioned serum (ACS): Also called Orthokine, this patient’s own serum is incubated to enrich anti-inflammatory cytokines and then reinjected into the joint.

2. Neuromodulation Techniques

• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS): Portable devices deliver low-voltage electrical currents that can reduce pain perception by “closing the gate” in the spinal cord.
• Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF): Emerging data suggest pulsed magnetic fields may reduce inflammation and promote tissue healing at the cellular level.

Conclusion

Non-surgical management of knee osteoarthritis relies on a multi-modal approach personalized by Dr. Deven R Kuruwa. By combining tailored exercise plans, anti-inflammatory nutrition, advanced pain-relief therapies, and self-management strategies, you can:

• Maintain or improve joint function
• Minimize pain and medication reliance
• Delay—or even avoid—the need for surgical intervention

Ready to take control of your knee health? Schedule a comprehensive evaluation with Dr. Deven R Kuruwa today, and let’s build your individualized, evidence-based plan for long-term mobility and comfort.