One of the most common questions orthopedic doctors hear is: “Is surgery the only option for my joint pain?” The short answer? Not always. Surgery is often considered a last resort when conservative treatments (like physical therapy, medications, injections, and lifestyle changes) don’t provide enough relief. Many patients experience significant improvement without going under the knife.

Here’s how we typically approach it:

• Step 1: Diagnosis – We identify the root cause of your pain (arthritis, injury, inflammation, etc.).
• Step 2: Non-Surgical Treatment – This may include anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, cortisone injections, or bracing.
• Step 3: Monitoring Progress – If your condition improves, we continue with non-invasive care. If not, we discuss surgical options

Bottom Line: Not all joint pain needs surgery. But don’t wait too long—early evaluation gives you more options.