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6 Tips to Avoid Knee Surgery

6 Tips to Help You Avoid Knee Surgery

More than 600,000 Americans endure knee replacement surgery each year, and it can be a long road to recovery for many. If you think that surgery is your only option, there are other alternatives that may reduce the need for such significant surgical procedures. Prevent further problems and avoid knee surgery with tips from a knee replacement doctor in the Bay Area Dr. Jeffrey Halbrecht, who is also an esteemed orthopedic surgeon for San Francisco area patientsStrengthen your knees now. Strengthen your knees to build muscle mass and increase the flow of blood to your joints. Some great ways to get the benefits of strength-training, but in a low-impact way include swimming, Pilates, yoga, and bicycling, to name a few.
Maintain a healthy weight. Controlling your weight is critical in taking pressure off your joints and fostering natural healing and recovery. Remember that every pound you weigh puts four-pounds of pressure on your knees, so trimming a few pounds can have a significant impact on your knees, including your level of discomfort.
Watch what you eat. Watch your diet and make nutrition the goal; it is reported that omega-3 fatty acids can relieve pain and reduce inflammation for individuals, especially when it relates to rheumatoid arthritis sufferers. For a diet rich in omega-3s, eat fish such as tuna, mackerel, and salmon, or supplement with fish oil capsules. Keep your fish oil supplements in the freezer to remove any fishy taste or smell.
Learn more about bone-marrow – fat and stem cells. Talk to your knee replacement specialist about the possibility of bone marrow injections. Bone marrow is removed and placed in a centrifuge to replicate the marrow of a younger individual. This is a same-day process that is currently being researched for arthritis patients.
Ask your provider about plasma. There is a new trend among athletes emerging that involves spinning blood and re-injecting the plasma for a boost. This may help curb pain and stiffness in your knees but is also a temporary solution.
Get some fillers. Hyaluronic Acid, or HA, is usually associated with cosmetic procedures; think fillers. However, it has been shown that HA injections can provide a buffer for the knee and reduce inflammation which decreases pain. This is something currently recommended for mild knee issues and may not be the best last-defense against surgery but more of a pre-emptive strike, earlier in your battle.  Many San Francisco knee replacement specialists use this as a preventative measure.

Do you need a consultation with an Orthopedic Surgeon in San Francisco?

If surgery seems like the only answer for your debilitating knee problems, take a moment to contact San Francisco Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Jeffrey Halbrecht for a consultation. This knee replacement specialist may be able to offer additional solutions and treatment options that relieve and resolve knee issues – without invasive surgery. And if surgery does turn out to be your best option, Dr. Halbrecht will provide you with excellent treatment and aftercare.

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