Helpful or harmful? Weighing last resorts before knee surgery

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Helpful or harmful? Weighing last resorts before knee surgery Knee osteoarthritis affects about half of us in older age. In many people, arthritis can become severe enough that they consider a knee replacement. Since surgery is an expensive and complicated option, you may wonder what else you can do to reduce knee pain.

Get your copy of Total Knee Replacement If you need a replacement, or think it’s time to seriously consider it, Harvard’s Total Knee Replacement guide is invaluable. This guide can help you make that important decision, in consultation with your primary care doctor and orthopedic specialist. You’ll find a list of critical questions to ask your doctor to help ensure you have the best possible surgeon. The guide explains why people end up needing knee replacement, the alternatives to surgery, the different types of knee implants, the risks and complications of surgery, and how to make a safe and full recovery.

How to take control of your blood pressure today Home blood pressure monitoring is an easy way to spot trends and establish targets, especially if you want to measure the effectiveness of your anti-hypertension medications. And you can use that information to gauge how well you’re doing on important dietary changes. Dr. Randall Zusman, a cardiologist at Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital, joins us for an encore performance.

Additional News from Harvard Health Publishing How better blood pressure control may benefit the brain Omega-3 supplements may improve heart health Troubled by migraines? Cut back on your caffeine drinks

Total Knee Replacement Featured content: • Are your knees worn out? • Arthritis: Why knees wear out • Knee anatomy • Deciding about knee replacement • Next steps before surgery •  ... and more! Click here to read more »