New and Proven Knee Replacement Alternatives

This article was medically authored by Dr. Eric Hardee and last reviewed for accuracy on 06/12/2026.

If you've been suffering with osteoarthritis of the knee, but want less invasive knee pain relief, you may be searching for knee replacement alternatives. Thankfully, due to advancements in the medical field, there are many ways to relieve your osteoarthritis pain without surgery. In today’s post, we review the top options currently available.

Key Takeaways

• Those who wish to delay or avoid surgery can find relief with knee replacement alternatives such as Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE), injections or medications
• Knee osteoarthritis can lead to pain, stiffness and limits on mobility
• Knee replacement surgery requires an extended recovery period and at least a year of physical therapy, along with general anesthesia and overnight hospital stays

Knee replacement alternatives: genicular artery embolization (GAE)

GAE is one of newest treatment options if you're seeking non-surgical knee replacement alternatives. Performed by our Interventional Radiologists at Texas Endovascular, this procedure works by restricting blood flow to the inflamed lining of your affected knee(s). In the weeks following your procedure, inflammation is calmed, reducing or eliminating your knee pain. In fact, this 2020 study revealed that the procedure effectively reduces moderate to severe knee pain caused by osteoarthritis. Plus, by choosing to undergo GAE, you may prevent arthritis progression and help preserve your mobility. You can also avoid major incisions, overnight hospital stays and general anesthesia, lowering your costs and reducing your recovery time.

Metformin for OA Knee Pain

New research from Monash University reveals that taking the diabetes drug Metformin can reduce osteoarthritis knee pain in overweight or obese individuals. This option could help delay the need for early knee replacement surgery. In a clinical trial including 107 participants, those who received up to 2000mg of the medication each day reported significant knee pain relief compared to those in the placebo group. So, while the study will have to be repeated with a larger sample size, lead researcher Professor Flavia Cicuttini concluded that the drug should be further investigated as another knee replacement alternative. She said, “Patient dissatisfaction with knee replacements is already high at between 20-30 per cent, even when the operation is technically perfect. Dissatisfaction rates are highest when the operation is done for early knee OA... The best outcome for patients is to delay the knee replacements until it is absolutely needed.”

Nerve Stimulation Under Investigation for OA Pain Relief

As the quest for effective knee replacement alternatives continues, researchers from The University of Texas at El Paso are studying the use of non-invasive, in-ear stimulation of the vagus nerve to relieve arthritis pain. In early trials involving 30 adults, this treatment provided clinically-significant relief for 37% of participants, without causing any significant side effects. While researchers acknowledged that the reported relief could be due to the placebo effect, they were excited about exploring this treatment option further, since it is entirely non-invasive.

Injections to Relieve Osteoarthritis Knee Pain

Other knee replacement alternatives involve injections to your affected joint area. Some physicians recommend injecting hyaluronic acid to your inflamed knee joint, in order to reduce pain by lubricating the area and offering additional shock absorption. However, due to limited research on its effectiveness, the Arthritis Foundation does not currently endorse this treatment option.

Another option making headlines is dextrose solution injections for osteoarthritis knee pain. Currently, this knee replacement alternative is being touted as a form of regenerative medicine due to its potential to reduce pain and stiffness by directing healing blood flow to your knee. Unfortunately, however, this option also lacks research on its effectiveness. As such, it is also not endorsed by the Arthritis Foundation.

Finally, for patients with mild to moderate arthritis knee pain, Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections may provide Knee Pain Relief and improve mobility for up to one year following treatment. The procedure, another form of regenerative medicine, works by injecting the platelet-rich portion of your own blood into your affected knee, helping promote healing and healthy new cell growth. While patient reported results are positive, we still lack scientific research into the safety and efficacy of this knee replacement alternative. Moreover, the relief is reported to last for just one year, whereas GAE effects last for at least two years or more. 

Scientifically Backed Knee Replacement Alternatives

Are you hoping to relieve arthritis knee pain without surgery? Do you want to find knee replacement alternatives with scientifically-proven efficacy? Our Texas Endovascular associates are happy to review your candidacy for Genicular Artery Embolization. You can request a consultation today, and we’ll set you up with an appointment at one of our seven locations in the greater Houston and Dallas regions.