Bone on Bone = Surgery? Not Necessarily

Have you been told that you're bone on bone and surgery is the only option? Bone on bone is a reference to the increased severity of osteoarthritis in a joint. Bone on bone suggests that the amount of cartilage on the bones in the joint is reduced, and inflammation is present. 

There's the perception that bone on bone means that the entire joint is smashed on top of itself, and there is nothing left of the tissue. This is a misconception, and rarely is it actually bone on bone. Yes, even if it feels extremely painful.

As we age, it's normal for there to be less space in our joints. But when we hear "bone on bone", we fear the worst. Rest assured; there is hope and other options besides surgery. Even some people who are told they have "bone on bone", have very little pain.

The APTA (American Physical Therapy Association) shared that current research showed that 60% to 70% of those who first worked with a physical therapist did not have surgery in a group of patients deemed surgical candidates for knee replacement. One year later, those results were unchanged. For many, surgery is avoidable. 

Pain and imaging don't always line up. X-rays ignore all the soft tissue, all your muscles and can mislead where the pain is coming from. The pain may not always come from arthritis or "bone on bone." Sometimes the pain comes from the joint above or below even if a doctor has told you it's arthritis in that joint. When you see one of our physical therapists, we consider all areas of the body. The pain in your knee may be coming from your back or ankle. 

If you've been told you have "bone on bone", give us a try before scheduling surgery. We've never caused a surgery, but we've prevented a lot. We start with a 30-45 minute thorough evaluation. We don't just look at the area of concern; we look above and below. We will take the time to listen to your health journey, and TOGETHER we will plan the best treatment option. After each visit, we assess your progress and modify as needed. We also offer post-care opportunities to keep you moving and mobile. 

​We want to see you playing with your grandkids and getting back to the walking or hiking you enjoy. Let us help you improve your mobility and strength and avoid surgery. If you are interested, give us a call today at 520-459-1386 or email us at notifyrpp@gmail.com to ask any questions.