Arthritis is actually an umbrella term that covers a range of conditions affecting the joints. It is characterised by pain, swelling, stiffness and loss of function which can interfere with everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs or standing up. The most common types of arthritis are:
- Osteoarthritis, which occurs when the cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones inside the joint starts to break down.
- Rheumatoid arthritis, which is an autoimmune condition that causes the body’s own immune system to mistakenly attack the joints.
- Gout, which is caused by a build-up of uric acid crystals in the joints.
Why might I want to consider non-surgical options?
A highly effective treatment for severe arthritis is joint replacement surgery, but it may not always be the best option and there are several reasons why your orthopaedic surgeon might recommend non-surgical options instead. The most likely reason is that you have mild to moderate arthritis symptoms that would respond well to non-surgical treatments like painkilling medication, exercises to stretch and strengthen the damaged joints or therapeutic injections.
Another reason why your surgeon may advise delaying surgery is that, while joint replacements are routinely performed as a treatment for joint pain, nevertheless they are major surgical procedures and recovery times can be lengthy. Also, all surgery carries a risk of complications – however small – so if other, non-surgical options could provide relief from symptoms they are generally recommended.
Finally, a common reason for opting for non-surgical treatment is that it delays the need for joint replacement surgery. This can be helpful because, while artificial joints typically last between 15 and 20 years, nevertheless, they do eventually wear out. When this happens, further surgery is needed (referred to as revision joint replacement surgery). Revision joint replacement surgery generally has a greater risk of complications than primary joint replacements and outcomes tend to be poorer. For this reason, delaying primary joint replacement surgery for as long as possible tends to reduce the chances of needing a revision joint replacement at a later date.
It is advisable to talk to your orthopaedic surgeon about your symptoms and lifestyle so you can decide between you whether non-surgical or surgical options are likely to be most effective for you.
What are Arthrosamid injections?
An effective non-surgical treatment for knee arthritis is Arthrosamid injections. These use a permanent intra-articular polyacrylamide hydrogel that is injected into the joint under local anaesthetic and ultrasound guidance to provide sustained pain relief. The Arthrosamid sticks to and meshes with the synovial lining tissue, helping to reduce pain and inflammation and enabling you to move your knee more easily. The procedure is quick and you will be able to go home immediately afterwards. Many people experience no discomfort at all after an Arthrosamid injection, but for some there can be mild to moderate pain and/or swelling at the injection site. Clinical trials report no serious side effects following treatment with Arthrosamid.
What are Nstride injections?
Another highly effective non-surgical treatment for arthritis is the n-stride APS injection which can provide relief from pain and stiffness, as well as restored mobility and an improvement in cartilage health for up to 12 months. During the nstride procedure, the orthopaedic surgeon collects a sample of the patient’s own blood. This is placed into a centrifugal device which separates out ‘good proteins’ (anti-inflammatory cytokines and anabolic growth factors). These are then injected into the affected joint to help relieve pain and improve mobility. The treatment typically takes effect after a week and can last up to a year. It is suitable for people with mild to moderate arthritis symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What treatments are there for arthritis?
The most common treatments for mild to moderate arthritis symptoms include painkilling medication, exercise and non-surgical therapeutic injections. For more severe symptoms, joint replacement surgery is generally recommended.
Is Arthrosamid safe?
In clinical trials, no serious side-effects were reported following treatment with Arthrosamid. The overall safety profile of injectable hydrogels has been established over the last 20 years.
Should I have physiotherapy after Arthrosamid treatment?
We generally recommend following a structured programme of rehabilitation after Arthrosamid treatment, including physiotherapy. However, as always, it is important to discuss your particular circumstances with your own orthopaedic surgeon.
For advice and information about arthritis, including the range of surgical and non-surgical treatments on offer, contact us.
Talk to an orthopaedic consultant | Cambridge
We are always happy to provide information and guidance about the various treatment options, both surgical and non-surgical, including Mako Robotic Arm Assisted Surgery and conventional surgery.
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