Learn about several nonsurgical treatments for joint pain that can provide significant relief without the need for orthopedic surgery.

Story by: Norton Healthcare; Reviewed by Nathan L. McKinney, D.O., orthopedic sports medicine physician on August 13, 2024

Chronic joint pain affects many patients’ quality of life and can limit their daily activities. Fortunately, there are several nonsurgical treatments for joint pain available at Norton Orthopedic Institute that can provide significant relief without the need for orthopedic surgery.

“I commonly hear patients asking what nonsurgical options are available for joint pain,” said Nathan L. McKinney, D.O., an orthopedic sports medicine physician with Norton Orthopedic Institute who specializes in nonsurgical orthopedics. “These methods can be very effective in managing joint pain and improving quality of life.”

One alternative treatment for joint pain is lifestyle modifications. Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce stress on your joints, while regular exercise helps keep them flexible and strong.

When improving lifestyle factors is not enough, several nonsurgical or minimally-invasive treatments have shown promising results and offer patients various options for pain management and improving joint function. The recovery time is significantly shorter compared with traditional surgery, allowing patients to return to their daily activities sooner.

If you experience chronic joint pain — whether it’s hip pain, knee pain, pain from a shoulder injury or something else — you may be a candidate for one of the following nonsurgical treatments for joint pain offered at Norton Orthopedic Institute. 

Injections

Joint injections are a great nonsurgical treatment option for joint pain. Corticosteroid injections can provide temporary relief by reducing inflammation in the affected joint. Hyaluronic acid injections also can be used to reduce pain and improve mobility by lubricating the joint, restoring the natural viscosity of the synovial fluid. 

These injections commonly are used for osteoarthritis and other degenerative joint conditions. The presence of arthritis symptoms can be reduced after an injection. 

Benefits of the treatment

• Lubrication and shock absorption: Hyaluronic acid enhances joint movement by lubricating the joints and providing cushioning where cartilage is lost.
• Anti-inflammatory benefits: Corticosteroids reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
• Quick relief: Patients often experience rapid pain relief.

Conditions treated

• Osteoarthritis
• Knee pain
• Hip pain
• Shoulder pain
• Inflammatory joint conditions

How the procedure works

1. Diagnosis and planning: Clinical evaluation and imaging are done to confirm joint degeneration or inflammation.
2. Procedure: Hyaluronic acid or corticosteroid is injected directly into the joint under local anesthesia.
3. Recovery: Patients may experience relief within a few days, with peak benefits typically observed within weeks.

Advantages over traditional surgery

• Noninvasive: No incisions required, reducing recovery time
• Quick procedure: Typically performed in an outpatient setting
• Symptom relief: Can be effective in delaying the need for joint replacement surgery

Patients with moderate to severe joint pain due to osteoarthritis or inflammatory conditions, especially those who have not responded to other conservative treatments, may be good candidates for joint injection treatments.

Platelet-rich plasma therapy

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy involves injecting concentrated platelets from the patient’s own blood into the affected joint. Platelets contain growth factors that may promote healing and reduce inflammation, making PRP an effective treatment for chronic joint pain.

Benefits of the treatment

• Natural healing: PRP uses the body’s own healing mechanisms.
• Reduced inflammation: Growth factors help decrease inflammation in the joint.
• Enhanced repair: The injections may promote tissue regeneration and repair.

Conditions treated

• Osteoarthritis
• Tendon injuries
• Ligament injuries
• Chronic joint pain

How the procedure works

1. Getting started: Blood is drawn from the patient and processed to concentrate the platelets.
2. Procedure: Platelet-rich plasma is injected into the affected joint under ultrasound guidance.
3. Recovery: Patients usually experience improvement within a few weeks, with continued progress over several months.

Advantages over traditional surgery

• Nonsurgical: No need for incisions or lengthy recovery
• Lower risk: Minimal risk of adverse reactions, since the treatment uses the patient’s own blood
• Long-lasting relief: Can provide sustained pain relief and improve joint function

Patients with chronic joint pain, particularly those with osteoarthritis or tendon and ligament injuries, who have not found relief with other treatments, may be good candidates for PRP therapy.

Minimally invasive tenotomy

Minimally invasive tenotomy, sometimes referred to as TenJet treatment, is a minimally invasive procedure designed to alleviate joint pain and chronic tendon pain without the need for open orthopedic surgery. This treatment uses a high-velocity stream of saline to precisely target and remove damaged tissue from the affected joint. 

One of the key benefits of TenJet treatment is its precision. It allows for the removal of only the damaged tissue, leaving the healthy tissue intact. This minimizes the impact on the joint, promoting better overall joint health and faster recovery. The procedure is guided by imaging, such as an ultrasound, to ensure accuracy. 

Benefits of the treatment

• Minimally invasive: Only a small puncture is needed, reducing recovery time and minimizing scarring.
• Quick recovery: Patients typically can return to normal activities within weeks.
• Effective pain relief: Removing diseased tissue significantly reduces or eliminates chronic pain.
• Ultrasound guidance: Imaging ensures accurate treatment and reduces the risk of complications.

Conditions treated

• Tendinopathies
• Plantar fasciitis
• Tennis elbow
• Golfer’s elbow
• Patellar tendinopathy (jumper’s knee)
• Rotator cuff tendinopathy
• Achilles tendinitis 
• Calcium deposits

How the procedure works

1. Diagnosis and planning: Ultrasound imaging identifies the exact location and extent of tendon damage.
2. Procedure: Under local anesthesia, a small puncture is made, and the TenJet device is inserted. The high-velocity saline stream targets and removes diseased tissue.
3. Recovery: Patients receive specific post-procedure care instructions and usually experience significant pain relief within a few weeks.

Advantages over traditional surgery

• Less painful: Minimally invasive, generally resulting in less postoperative pain
• Reduced recovery time: Faster recovery with fewer restrictions
• Lower risk of complications: Due to its precision, reduced likelihood of damaging surrounding tissues

Patients with chronic tendon pain that has not responded to conservative treatments such as rest, physical therapy or medication may be suitable candidates for the TenJet procedure.

Find relief from your chronic joint pain

Every patient and diagnosis is different, and a range of nonsurgical treatment options for joint pain can help manage symptoms effectively. Nonsurgical treatments for joint pain, such as joint injections, PRP therapy or the TenJet procedure, offer effective alternatives to open surgery or joint replacement. These treatments can provide significant pain relief, improve joint function and enhance patients’ quality of life with fewer risks and shorter recovery times. Before considering a surgical intervention, you should discuss nonsurgical treatment options with your health care provider to determine the best treatment plan for you.