Did You Know That an Estimated 30 million Americans, or Roughly 11% of Adults, Grapple with Knee Osteoarthritis?

This widespread condition often leads individuals to consider total knee replacement as a solution.

An interesting article in The Washington Post sheds light on alternative, less invasive approaches that target nerve pain to provide relief for those seeking lower-risk options beyond or before knee replacement surgery:

• Surgical Knee Denervation: A minimally invasive procedure, during which the sensory nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals from the knee joint are selectively targeted and cut to interrupt the pain pathways without affecting the knee's motor function. The process of attaching the sensory nerves to motor nerves triggers a reaction in the brain that "tricks" the sensory nerves into thinking they are motor nerves, leading them to no longer transmit pain signals.

• Radiofrequency Ablation: Also known as RFA, this procedure uses radio waves guided by X-rays to find and ablate -- or destroy -- the nerves that transmit pain signals from the knee. The relief isn't permanent (6 to 12 months) because the nerves eventually regrow and reconnect, but the procedure may be repeated.

• Genicular artery embolization (GAE): Embolization of the knee is a procedure that targets and blocks blood flow to abnormal arteries in the lining of the knee. Abnormal arteries (resulting from the breakdown of knee cartilage) carry nerves with them that causes more pain and inflammation. GAE provides immediate and long term pain relief for osteoarthritis.

It's crucial to understand that while these treatments can offer significant relief, they don't repair the underlying joint damage and do not preclude the possibility of future knee replacement.

The development of knee osteoarthritis is influenced by several factors, and encouragingly, lifestyle choices play a significant role in both prevention and management. You can take proactive steps to reduce your risk or delay its onset by focusing on:

• Keeping body fat percentages low: Excess weight dramatically increases the stress on your knees.

• Engaging in regular, low-impact exercise: Strong surrounding muscles are vital for joint support and health.

• Preventing joint injuries: Use proper techniques during physical activities.

• Eating a plant-nourishing diet rich in nutrient-dense, water-rich foods: to combat elevated blood sugar levels that can increase osteoarthritis risk.

Understanding your options and embracing a proactive approach to your health can make a significant difference in managing knee health.