Advice

A knee replacement is not the only option for bone-on-bone patients, providing relief and slowing the progression of osteoarthritis. Although cartilage can heal, there is no way to reverse the damage already done. Various treatments may be used for this condition. Treatments include heat packs, cold packs, exercise, knee braces, dietary supplements, oral medications, injections, weight loss, or physical therapy. A patient should only consider surgery if conservative treatment is no longer effective if the pain is extreme, and if the condition adversely affects their quality of life.