What are the problems with traditional treatments for knee osteoarthritis?
Anti-inflammatories: There has been much coverage in the media of the problems with anti-inflammatory medications taken on a long terms basis. • Gastrointestinal problems- most common problem. Can lead to gastritis or ulcer • Increased risk of heart attacks- This is most likely with the newer anti-inflammatory medications such as Celebrex, Vioxx (no longer on the market) but also naprosyn. Total knee Replacement: Though total knee replacement is better tolerated than hip replacement, there still can be a multitude of problems such as infection, persistent pain, bleeding, uneven leg lengths, even death.
