Nonsurgical and surgical options for managing joint pain

A twinge in your knee after a long day of hiking and slight shoulder pain after starting a new workout plan is common. Occasional joint pain is a normal part of life. But chronic joint pain that gets in the way of the things you love, isn’t.

Our team of orthopedists, physical therapists and joint care experts can treat even the most complex joint issues. Whether you’re dealing with pain caused by arthritis or an injury, we’ll guide you toward the most effective treatment plan for you. We provide comprehensive treatments for joints, including medications, physical therapy and, when necessary, surgery.

We’ve helped patients of all ages and activity levels, from professional athletes to yoga-lovers, get back to the life they love. Make an appointment at one of our many locations throughout the Twin Cities to take your first step to managing joint pain.

In most cases, the first course of treatment for joint conditions is nonsurgical. We offer comprehensive nonsurgical joint treatments, including:

The first step to managing joint pain is with self-care. There are many things you can do at home to help relieve pain, stiffness and swelling. Try using rest, ice, compression and elevation, a common treatment called R.I.C.E.

Lifestyle changes, like managing weight and increasing activity, can also relieve pain by reducing the pressure on your joints. We work closely with dietitians, athletic trainers and physical therapists who can help you make those changes.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help manage pain and discomfort caused by inflammation. Over-the-counter options like ibuprofen and naproxen can be effective choices, and prescription NSAIDs are available if drugstore options don’t work for you. Steroids, including prednisone and cortisone, can also be used to manage inflammation.

Arthritis and osteoarthritis are the top causes of joint pain. Medicines used to treat these conditions can help reduce joint pain and other symptoms.

Corticosteroid injections can provide long-term relief from inflammation in your hips, shoulders or knees. They may provide relief for up to three months.

Hyaluronic injections are a type of treatment where we inject gel – very similar to natural joint fluid – into the affected joint. Right now, it can only be used to treat knee conditions. Pain relief from hyaluronic injections may last anywhere from a few months up to a year.

Physical therapy uses specialized exercises, manual therapy and education to manage pain and improve mobility. Our board-certified physical therapists will lead you through exercises that target the muscles around your joints. Strengthening these muscles takes pressure off your joints to relieve pain and stress.

We’ll also show you how to modify activities so you can keep doing the things you love without the risk of pain or further injury.

TRIA is at the forefront of orthobiologics, a type of treatment that uses substances naturally found in the body to reduce inflammation and promote healing.

Orthobiologic treatments can be used instead of surgery or in addition to surgery. While there are many different types of orthobiologic therapies, platelet rich plasma (PRP) injections are the most commonly used orthobiologic treatment.

It’s common to have a lot of questions about joint pain and different treatment options. Our orthopedic surgeons put together a video series where we walk you through the need-to-knows about joint care. We talk about chronic joint pain, nonsurgical treatments, types of joint replacements, recovery and more.