Alternatives to Knee Replacement Surgery

If you have been told you might need a knee replacement, it is natural to want to explore every option first. The good news is that for many people with knee osteoarthritis, there are effective non-surgical treatments that can ease pain, restore movement, and delay — or sometimes avoid — surgery altogether.

Written and medically reviewed by Dr James Thing (MBBS, BSc, MRCGP, FFSEM), Consultant in Sport & Exercise Medicine.

When is a knee replacement actually needed?

Knee replacement is usually considered when osteoarthritis is advanced — "bone-on-bone" changes with pain that limits daily life despite other treatments. But many people are referred earlier than they need to be. If your arthritis is mild to moderate, or you would like to postpone surgery, non-surgical options are well worth exploring first. An accurate assessment, including a diagnosis of your knee arthritis and an ultrasound scan, is the place to start.

Non-surgical alternatives to knee replacement

Used alone or in combination, these can meaningfully reduce pain and improve function:

• Weight management and physiotherapy: reducing load on the joint and strengthening the muscles around the knee is the foundation of every treatment plan — and can make a real difference on its own.
• Steroid (cortisone) injections: settle inflammation and pain quickly, useful for a painful flare. Steroid injections
• Hyaluronic acid (Ostenil Plus): lubricates and cushions the joint, sometimes called a gel injection. Hyaluronic acid injections
• PRP (platelet-rich plasma): uses your own concentrated platelets to support the joint. PRP injections
• Arthrosamid: a newer, single hydrogel injection that cushions the knee and can provide long-lasting relief — a non-surgical option that may help delay or avoid a replacement in suitable patients. Arthrosamid

Not sure which is right for you, or what each costs? Our ultrasound-guided injection cost guide compares the options side by side.

How Joint Care London can help

Every injection at Joint Care London is ultrasound-guided and delivered by a consultant, so it reaches exactly the right part of the joint. You will get an honest assessment of whether a non-surgical approach is realistic for your knee — and if surgery genuinely is the best option, we will tell you. You will be seen within 0–1 weeks at our clinics in Notting Hill, Golders Green and Henley-on-Thames.

Frequently asked questions

Can you avoid knee replacement surgery?

For many people with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis, yes — weight management, physiotherapy and targeted injections can reduce pain and delay or avoid a replacement. Advanced arthritis may still need surgery, which your consultant will discuss honestly.

Is Arthrosamid an alternative to knee replacement?

Arthrosamid is a single hydrogel injection that cushions the knee and can give long-lasting relief. For suitable patients it may help delay or avoid a replacement; suitability is confirmed at consultation.

What is the best injection for knee arthritis?

It depends on your knee — steroid for a flare, hyaluronic acid to lubricate, PRP to support healing, or Arthrosamid for long-lasting cushioning. A consultant assessment with ultrasound helps choose.

Want to explore your options before considering surgery? Book a consultation or call 0333 011 1885.