5 New Alternatives to Knee Replacement in 2025 (May Help Avoid Surgery)

1. Targeting the Genetics Behind Knee Osteoarthritis

A large genetic study in Germany, published recently, followed more than two million people with and without arthritis.
Researchers identified specific DNA markers that make someone more likely to develop osteoarthritis of the knee.

These markers influence how the body produces certain proteins that trigger inflammation and cartilage breakdown — the very processes that cause arthritis.

Here’s the exciting part: scientists have now discovered that existing medications can interfere with or suppress these proteins, potentially modifying the disease itself, not just masking pain.

While this treatment is still in early stages, it represents a major shift — from simply managing symptoms to addressing the root cause of knee arthritis.

2. Walking Technique Training That Reduces Pain

This one’s surprisingly simple — and incredibly effective.

A new study found that retraining the way you walk can reduce knee pain as much as, or even more than, taking pain medication.

Depending on where the arthritis is located, changing the angle of your feet (for example, turning your toes slightly in or out) can redistribute the load through the worn-out part of your knee.

The result?

• Pain levels drop significantly.

• The rate of joint wear and tear slows down.

That means something as simple as walking differently — under the guidance of a physiotherapist — could be one of the most accessible alternatives to knee replacement surgery.

3. Growing New Knee Cartilage from Your Own Nose

Let me tell you… first time I read about this I thought it was a hoax…

And it totally sounds like science fiction, but researchers are now taking cartilage cells from the nose, growing them in a lab, and transplanting them into damaged knee joints.

Because the tissue comes from your own body, the risk of rejection is low. Early results are showing improved pain levels, better mobility, and restored cartilage tissue in the treated knees. Here is a link to the research article.

Although this therapy isn’t widely available yet, it’s a huge step toward regenerative medicine — repairing the joint rather than replacing it.

4. Partial “Microplasty” Knee Replacement

Not all arthritis affects the entire joint. Sometimes, only one side or one compartment of the knee is worn out.

In these cases, surgeons can perform a partial knee replacement, often called a microplasty.
This minimally invasive procedure replaces only the damaged part of the joint, leaving the healthy areas untouched.

Because it’s less invasive, recovery is quicker, and the risk of complications is lower compared to a full replacement.

Microplasty techniques use highly precise, computer-guided instruments to ensure the implant is positioned perfectly, improving outcomes and longevity.

If your arthritis is localised, this could be a realistic lower-impact surgical alternative worth discussing with your orthopaedic specialist.

5. Stem Cell Injections from Your Own Fat Tissue

Stem cell therapy is another area of rapid growth in knee arthritis treatment.

In this procedure, doctors extract stem cells from your fat tissue (adipose tissue), process them, and inject them directly into the knee joint.

These cells can reduce inflammation, encourage tissue repair, and help regenerate cartilage.

Clinical studies have shown:

• Reduced pain and stiffness

• Improved joint function

• MRI evidence of healthier cartilage after treatment

While stem cell therapy is still not standard practice everywhere, it’s one of the most promising minimally invasive alternatives to knee replacement surgery under development.

Final Thoughts

For years, knee replacement was seen as the final option for anyone with severe arthritis. But that landscape is changing fast.

From genetic therapies that target the source of arthritis, to precision walking retraining and advanced regenerative medicine, the future of joint health looks much brighter.

That doesn’t mean everyone can or should avoid surgery — in many cases, it’s still the best option.
But these innovations give hope that in the near future, we’ll have more choices to reduce pain, restore movement, and delay or even prevent knee replacements altogether.

If you’re currently considering knee surgery, talk to your physiotherapist or orthopaedic specialist about new approaches in rehabilitation, walking re-training, or regenerative treatments that could help preserve your joint for longer.