Cost to Treat Knee Arthritis

Calculating the exact cost to treat knee arthritis may be difficult to determine. From the degree of disease to amount of medical coverage each person will have a variety of contributing factors. Arthritis is an incurable condition that creates pain, swelling and stiffness of the knee joints.

Finding an effective treatment to reduce the symptoms may help a person return to normal everyday activities. An orthopedic specialist can work with a patient to find the best treatment options.

Non-Surgical Methods

The most economical way to reduce cost to treat knee arthritis is by using non-surgical methods. Some of the methods simply involve a change in lifestyle and others may require minimal payment.

• Weight management is recommended in treating knee arthritis. By maintaining a healthy weight, an individual will not put additional pressure on the knee joint.
• Physical therapy may be prescribed. Exercise to strengthen muscles may help reduce the stress put on the knee joints. The best part of learning the proper exercises to do at home; the cost to treat knee arthritis is free.
• Rest may help reduce inflammation.
• Applying ice to the inflamed areas to help reduce swelling and relieve pain. The ice may be applied at intervals of 25 minutes every three or four hours or as directed by a health care professional.
• Bracing and other support devices to minimize movement in the knee joint may help with symptoms. In some cases, a cane or crutches may be used for extra support.
• Elevating the knee area by using a pillow when resting or sleeping to help reduce pain and swelling, may help ease symptoms.
• Over the counter medications, prescriptions and cortisone injections may also help relieve symptoms at a lower cost to treat knee arthritis.

Surgery

If the pain or symptoms are not reduced by the non-surgical methods, surgery is usually the next step in the treatment process. The cost to treat knee arthritis with surgery will depend on the type of surgery and the type of medical insurance coverage. In some cases, co-pays and deductibles will be the only out of pocket costs. Without any form of insurance, an individual could pay in the thousands of dollars for treatment.

• In severe cases, a complete knee joint replacement may be done. The replacement is usually made of metal or durable plastic to help restore function of the knee.
• Arthroscopy is used as a less invasive way to lessen the symptoms. Small incisions are made around the knee to remove or repair ligaments, cartilage or joint lining.
• Osteotomy is used to reshape the bones around the joint to allow for repositioning.

An expert orthopedic surgeon can help determine the right course of treatment based on an accurate diagnosis. The cost to treat knee arthritis through lifestyle modification may be the least expensive option. In some cases, the damage may be too severe for conservative approaches. Surgery may be the only choice.

Dr. Howard Marans will be able to work with a potential patient in an individualized manner to have an optimal outcome of the treatment program. Dr. Marans and his friendly office staff will accept PPO and other insurance companies to help reduce the financial burden of the cost to treat knee arthritis. Please click below to schedule your consultation or call us at 714.979.8981