Surgery is not the only option for hip or knee arthritis. I can review your symptoms, examination and imaging, then talk through exercise, physiotherapy referral, injections and whether replacement surgery makes sense for you. None of these treatments repairs worn cartilage, and no injection guarantees that surgery can be avoided.
Tailored strengthening and low-impact activity are core arthritis treatments. Weight management may also help where relevant. I can refer you to a physiotherapist, including at Spire Fylde Coast Hospital; I do not personally provide physiotherapy.
A corticosteroid injection may offer short-term relief when other medicines have not helped or are unsuitable, sometimes making exercise easier. NICE describes typical relief as about 2 to 10 weeks. Response varies, and we will discuss suitability, risks and any planned surgery before deciding.
Ostenil Plus is a hyaluronic acid product I use in selected cases. It is injected with the aim of easing pain and stiffness, but benefit is uncertain. NICE's osteoarthritis guideline says not to offer intra-articular hyaluronan to manage osteoarthritis. We can discuss why it might or might not be considered in your case, including risks and cost. It does not regrow cartilage.
PRP is made from a patient's own blood and is sometimes discussed for knee osteoarthritis. NICE reports no major safety concerns, but says the evidence of effectiveness is limited in quality and calls for special clinical governance, consent and audit or research arrangements. This information is for discussion, not a claim that PRP is currently bookable with me. We can review what is known and uncertain.
Arthrosamid is a hydrogel injection for selected patients with knee osteoarthritis. It differs from steroid, hyaluronic acid and PRP. I can assess your knee, explain realistic benefits, risks and alternatives, and discuss follow-up. Some people may still need surgery later. Arthrosamid is at NICE topic prioritisation, not a positive NICE recommendation.
At your consultation, we can review symptoms, examination and scans alongside your goals. Exercise, a physiotherapy referral or an injection may be worth discussing; none repairs worn cartilage or guarantees that you will avoid replacement. We will compare likely benefit, uncertainty, risks and cost. If arthritis is severe and other care is not helping, we can also discuss hip or knee replacement.