Alternatives to Joint Surgery

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the following strategies may help ease joint pain, depending on the extent of your condition.

Lifestyle Changes:
Maintain a healthy weight, avoid high impact activities and work to build strength and flexibility.


Apparatus:
Wear supportive footwear or flexible braces.


Hot and Cold:  Apply heat, ice or hot/cold salves to reduce discomfort.


Over the Counter:
Try anti-inflammatory drugs suc as aspirin or ibuprofen. The nutritional supplements glucosamine and chondroitin may also relieve pain, through their long term benefits have not yet been proven.


Prescribed Treatments:
Explore the use of corticosteroid shots or other arthritis medications.


Surgical Treatment:  Consider arthroscopic surgery, which cleans out joint debris or repairs tears; an osteotomy, which cuts away part of the bone to improve joint alignment, or cartilage grafting.