Will I Need Knee Surgery? | A Pain Doctor Weighs In
If you have knee joint issues, you’ll want to find the best knee dr nyc. The top knee expert in new york ny is one of the board certified, Harvard-trained pain doctors at this leading Manhattan pain center.
Nowadays, many orthopedic surgeons can be too quick to rely on surgery and narcotics as standard modes of orthopedic practice. However, knee surgery is risky and in some cases, it is not even necessary! Surgery can involve many potential complications and is not always the best way to promote health. Some of the most common surgical risks include: –
- Breathing difficulties
- Blood clots
- Problems with anesthesia
- Increased risk of heart attacks
- Increased risk of stroke
- Wound infections
In addition to these surgical risks, patients must also spend a long period of time recovering from the knee surgery. The recovery process involves the use of NSAIDs, opioids and narcotics which can lead to problems with over-reliance and addiction. Due to the potential for adverse health effects, it is important you explore the latest treatment options that are lower in risk and faster in recovery.
The great news is that the best knee dr nyc is one of the board certified, Harvard-trained physicians at this modern and friendly pain clinic. This pain center in the heart of the Big Apple is passionate about using the latest non-invasive treatment choices to get you back on your feet in the safest and healthiest ways possible.
As leaders in New York orthopedic care, this Center of Excellence prides itself on creating customized care plans unique to each patient. These top Harvard-trained doctors are passionate about spending time with each patient so that they can create a unique care plan. This treatment plan involves a recommendation for a minimally invasive procedure in conjunction with physical therapy.
If you want to explore some of these exciting and innovative treatments in the heart of NYC, please call (646) 493-0282. Their Center of Excellence regularly welcomes patients from around the world and is conveniently located next to Bryant Park. Our doctors will be happy to explore your problem so they can alleviate your pain in the healthiest way possible. They will also be able to discuss your insurance plans to see what will work best.
The Top 5 Knee Treatments
So far, we’ve looked at why it’s important to seek the best orthopedic care from a top knee dr nyc at this modern Manhattan clinic. Now let’s take some time to explore the latest minimally invasive knee treatments at this state of the art pain center NYC.
Below are some examples of the latest minimally invasive treatment options currently on the market. These treatments are low risk, pain free and highly effective in alleviating knee joint issues. Best of all, you don’t have to worry about undergoing knee surgery or having to take narcotics. Our knee doctors pride themselves on creating care plans of the highest quality.
Platelet Rich Plasma Injections
Platelet rich plasma injections are an exciting and innovative area of pain medicine. During this procedure, a top knee dr nyc uses the latest cutting edge technology and combines this with your body’s own natural healing abilities.
A top knee dr nyc at this state of the art manhattan clinic will first draw up a small volume of your blood into a syringe. The blood sample is then run through a machine called a centrifuge. The centrifuge condenses the platelets in the blood sample so that they are of a high concentration. This high concentration of blood platelets are then re-injected directly into the knee joint to stimulate the growth of healthy new cells and tissues in the knee joint.
Steroid Injections
Steroid injections are one of the most popular treatment options. They are quick to apply and can last for long periods of time. Steroid injections work well when used in conjunction with physical therapy programs and help many patients get back on their feet. The steroid medicine is delivered via a syringe and reduces any inflammation and pain in the knee joint. Some pain doctors also use local anesthetic to ensure the joint is numb and comfortable. In this way, both local anesthetic and steroid medicine can provide long-term pain relief in a safe and minimally invasive way. Patients sometimes receive 2-3 steroid injections for maximum effect.
Hyaluronic Acid Injections
Hyaluronic acid is a natural component of joint fluid and ensures our joints are kept supple. If we have a condition like osteoarthritis, it means the knee joint can experience friction in the joint due to the cartilage on the ends of the bones becoming worn down. This friction can lead to inflamed, swollen and painful knee joints. Bony spurs can even form as a result of the friction. However, hyaluronic acid injections can combat this problem. A top knee dr nyc can inject hyaluronic acid directly into the knee joint to ensure the joint remains lubricated and that friction is reduced.
Radiofrequency Ablation of the Genicular Nerve
Radiofrequency ablation is one of the most innovative areas of pain medicine. It provides long-term pain relief without the use of steroid medicine or knee surgery. Radiofrequency ablation is when a top knee dr nyc uses a generator to transmit small currents of radiofrequency energy to the genicular (sensory) nerves in the knee. The radiofrequency energy increases the temperature of the genicular nerves so that they become deactivated. This means they can no longer send pain signals from the knee joint to the brain. As a result, knee pain relief is achieved and the patient can return to daily activities with relative ease.
Physical Therapy
A top knee dr nyc at this state of the art nyc clinic can recommend the best physical therapist to work with you in conjunction with your treatment plan. A physical therapist will provide you with gentle exercises to be completed at home. These exercises will be customized to your health status and requirements. They will assist in increasing the strength, flexibility and mobility of the knee joint. Physical therapy works well when used during the treatment process and can help many patients re-build confidence in themselves.
Why Do I Have Knee Pain?
There are many reasons you might be struggling with painful knees. It might be due to an acute sports injury, or could result from an underlying health condition. It’s important you seek medical advice from a top knee dr nyc so you find out the root cause of your knee pain. If you leave your knee pain untreated, it could become even worse or lead to other health problems.
A top knee dr nyc will spend time with you to understand your pain issue. They will then prescribe the best treatment plan unique to your individual health status and requirements.
Let’s look at some of the most common causes of knee pain: –
- ACL injury – the anterior cruciate ligament is a large ligament connecting the shin bone to the thigh bone. An ACL injury commonly occurs as a sports injury resulting in an athlete suddenly stopping or changing direction during sports.
- Bursitis – this is when the sacs (bursa) surrounding the knee joint become inflamed. It can be a painful condition and is easily treatable by a top knee dr nyc.
- Dislocated kneecap – your knee joint can become knocked out the groove of the joint if it is met with sudden trauma/ impact to the joint. In some instances the knee joint can recover itself and fall back into the groove of the joint itself. However, it is still highly recommended you seek medical advice from a board certified physician to ensure your knee joint is healthy and stable.
- Knee Arthritis – osteoarthritis is a mechanical form of knee arthritis that occurs due to wear and tear over time. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition which is another form of knee arthritis. Both types of arthritis can lead to painful, stiff and inflamed knee joints.
- Tendonitis – this describes when the tendon becomes inflamed as a result of overuse. It is also commonly associated with athletes who are involved in running and jumping exercises.
- Meniscus tears – the menisci are two ‘C’ shaped rubbery pieces of cartilage located in the knee joint. They act as shock absorbers between the thigh bone and the shin bone. If you suddenly change direction whilst putting your full weight on the knee joint, it can lead to meniscus tears.
There are numerous reasons you might be struggling with knee joint pain. That’s why it’s highly recommended you seek medical advice from a top knee dr nyc at this modern and friendly manhattan clinic. One of our expert knee doctors will spend time with you to understand your knee joint pain before creating a care plan to suit you.
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