84yr Old Dad: Knee Replacement & Recovery Advice with Alcohol Use

Ans: Surgery does not cure the problem.
It is only a tie over for moving with a new joint.
But if the muscles are not supported with active movement and joints are not supported through weight reduction, this problem will continue to exist.
So why not aim at these things before going for Surgery

Ans: Hello Ankit,
How recent was the MRI done? There were no other findings like in the menisci or knee ligaments?
Have you done your blood test recently? Accordingly you need to take Vit D3 and Vit B12 supplements. Magnesium can also help. You need to show your blood reports to a Dr and accordingly take the vitamins.
Have you shown your knee to a physiotherapist? If not please do so. They will do a proper evaluation and accordingly do techniques like Ultrasound, taping, dry needling and give you exercises.
I would suggest first go in for nutrition care and physiotherapy. If still pain persists then you can think of knee injections as the more natural the treatment is the better.
All the best!

Ans: Dear Mr. Surana,
Thank you for your query. If your doctor has recommended a total knee replacement, it is likely based on the severity of your condition as indicated by the X-ray and your ongoing pain. However, you may still explore conservative options before deciding on surgery. I suggest consulting a physiotherapist for a comprehensive rehabilitation program. Physiotherapy can help strengthen the muscles around the knee, improve joint stability, and potentially reduce pain.
That said, your age and weight also play an important role in determining the best course of action. If you are overweight, weight management can significantly reduce stress on the knee joint and alleviate symptoms. Lifestyle changes, such as a tailored exercise regimen and a healthy diet, can also be beneficial.

If conservative measures don’t provide sufficient relief, total knee replacement may be the best option for living a pain-free life. It’s natural to be concerned about side effects, but modern surgical techniques and post-operative care have made the procedure highly effective and safe. Discuss all your concerns with your doctor and physiotherapist to make an informed decision.
Wishing you the best,