Knee · Before a replacement
Alternatives to knee replacement.
If you have been told you may need a new knee, or want to put it off, these are the options worth understanding first — from a team that will also tell you when a replacement is the right call.
Why people look for alternatives.
Osteoarthritis is the gradual wearing down of the cartilage that cushions a joint, leading to pain, stiffness and loss of motion. A knee replacement is major surgery with a long recovery, so many people want to know what else can ease the pain and keep them moving — whether to avoid the operation or to delay it.
The alternatives
Options before a replacement
Exercise and physical therapy
Strengthening the muscles that support the knee and adjusting activity.
Weight and load
Reducing the load through the knee where that is possible.
Conventional injections
Corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injections are commonly used for arthritic knee pain.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
Your own concentrated platelets, delivered to the joint.
Learn moreStem Cell Therapy
Regenerative cells to support cartilage and soft-tissue repair.
Learn moreBone Marrow Concentrate (BMAC)
Often considered for arthritis and cartilage problems in the major joints.
Learn moreWhat regenerative treatment can and cannot do.
Regenerative treatments are delivered in-office under ultrasound guidance and aim to reduce pain and improve how the joint moves. They are used to help manage joint pain and function for many patients, but they are not a guarantee, and they do not rebuild a joint that has worn away. Your surgeon will review your imaging and set realistic expectations before you decide.
When a replacement is the right call
Signs a replacement may be the better answer.
- Advanced arthritis on imaging, with little cartilage left in the joint
- Pain that limits walking, sleep or daily life despite non-surgical care
- A knee that is becoming deformed or losing its range of motion
Our physicians are orthopedic surgeons. If a replacement is the better answer for your knee, we will tell you.
Alternatives to knee replacement — common questions
Can I avoid a knee replacement?
Some people can avoid or delay one, depending on how advanced the arthritis is and how they respond to non-surgical care. Your surgeon will give you an honest view after examining you and reviewing your imaging.
Do regenerative treatments regrow cartilage?
They aim to support the repair of damaged tissue and reduce pain, but they do not rebuild a joint that has worn away. Your surgeon will set realistic expectations for your knee.
Can I still have a replacement later?
Ask your surgeon about your own case. Non-surgical treatment is often tried before a replacement is considered.
How much does it cost, and does insurance pay?
Regenerative therapies are self-pay; we do not bill insurance for them, which is why we publish our prices. HSA and FSA funds can usually be applied, and at checkout you can use CareCredit or split the cost with Affirm Pay-in-4. The consultation is free.
How do I know if I’m a candidate?
Book a free consultation. Our surgeons evaluate your condition and imaging before recommending any treatment, and they will tell you if regenerative treatment is not the right fit.
Request an evaluation
Request your free consultation
Tell us what's going on and we'll call you back to arrange a time. Most consultations begin as a telehealth call, so you can start without travelling to a clinic. No referral needed.
Talk it through with a surgeon.
Book a free consultation. Most consultations begin as a telehealth call, and you get a plan and a price in writing before you commit to anything.