Non Operative

There are a  range of treatments that can be tried before embarking on knee surgery.

Pain Killers

These can be taken orally or topically.

Physiotherapy

This is very useful for building strength in specific muscle groups and to improve range of movement of your knee and hip. In some cases this can prevent or delay surgery.

Low intensity pulsed ultrasound

This can be used to treat conditions like trochanteric bursitis, patella and quadriceps tendonitis.

Knee bracing

There are a range of knee braces that are specific for your knee condition. These can improve your pain and function and can delay the need for surgery.

Medial unloader brace is useful for meniscal tears and medial arthritis

Injections

Pain relieving injections can be  given into or around the knee and hip. Conditions that are amenable to injection treatment include early arthritis (knee and hip), trochanteric bursitis or tendonitis.

Types of injection

Steroid / local anaesthetic

This is commonly known as a “cortisone” injection. It gives immediate pain relief once injected into the joint. The benefit is often short lived 2-4 weeks however.

Hyaluronic Acid (HA)

HA is a relatively new form of injection that is designed to delay or prevent the need for knee surgery. It is a viscous fluid that acts as a lubricant but also nourishes the damaged cartilage. It is only useful in very early knee arthritis. 

Evidence is growing for the efficacy of HA injections

PRP (platelet rich plasma)

This injection not available on the NHS. A fraction of your own blood is injected into an area of tendonitis or occasionally into the knee joint. This stimulates a healing process to improve pain and function.