Joint Pain Relief: 5 Nonsurgical Treatments to Help You Avoid Surgery

If you suffer from persistent joint pain, you may assume that surgery is your only option for relief. However, that’s far from the case. Discover five nonsurgical treatments that may help restore your mobility.

Joint pain affects nearly 70% of older adults. Although it can occur for various reasons, some of the most common causes include arthritis, trauma, and general wear-and-tear.

Regardless of its source, many people with persistent joint pain assume that surgery is the best and only treatment option. But that isn’t necessarily the case. Various nonsurgical alternatives may help ease joint pain and restore your mobility.

At Twin Creeks Orthopedics and Regenerative Clinic, the expert team specializes in treating joint pain without surgery. This article highlights five potential treatment options that may help you feel better.

1. Physical therapy

Physical therapy uses stretches, targeted strengthening exercises, and hands-on modalities, such as massage, to strengthen and support the muscles around painful joints. It can also improve flexibility, making it easier to move comfortably, even if you feel stiff.

A licensed physical therapist can make personalized recommendations that match your fitness level and mobility, allowing a tailored treatment approach.

2. Anti-inflammatory medication and topical treatments

Sometimes, the best way to relieve joint pain is with over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication or topical treatments, such as ointments and salves.

For instance, if your symptoms tend to flare up during exercise, an OTC nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication may help reduce pain and inflammation.

That said, it’s important to get your doctor’s approval first, as prolonged use of OTC pain medication may increase the risk of side effects, like an upset stomach or gastrointestinal bleeding.

3. Joint injections

Joint injections deliver pain medication and/or a corticosteroid directly into or around a painful joint.

For example, we commonly recommend corticosteroid injections for osteoarthritis-related joint pain affecting the knees, elbows, and hips. After a physical exam and review of your health history, we can recommend the right injection for you.

4. Regenerative medicine

Regenerative medicine supports your body’s natural healing processes. We offer several types, including platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, prolotherapy, and exosome therapy.

Each treatment is slightly different, but involves injecting a biologic product or other solution into or around painful joints. Depending on the treatment, these therapies may help reduce inflammation and support the growth of healthy new cells and tissue.

5. Lifestyle changes and weight management

Sometimes, lifestyle factors such as excess weight or lack of exercise cause persistent joint pain. If you have joint pain, working out may seem counterintuitive, but movement truly is medicine.

Losing weight may offer similar benefits. Research shows that losing just 5-10 pounds can take significant load off your joints, making it easier to move comfortably.

Ready for relief from joint pain?

Don’t let joint pain keep you from living an active, healthy life. If you’re trying to avoid surgery, we may be able to help.