Not Ready for Surgery? That’s Okay.
If hip or knee pain is slowing you down but you're not ready to think about joint replacement, you don't have to. Most patients we see start with non-surgical care, and many manage their symptoms that way for years.
At OrthoUnited, we help you understand your options, set realistic expectations, and build a plan that fits your life today.
Talk Through Your OptionsQuick Answer:
Quick Answer: Can You Delay or Avoid Joint Replacement?
Often, yes. For early-to-moderate arthritis, non-surgical options like injections, physical therapy, activity changes, and bracing can ease pain and help you stay active, sometimes for years. An orthopaedic specialist can explain what each option can realistically do for your joint and when it may make sense to talk about next steps.
Does This Sound Like You?
- An injection helped, but the relief isn't lasting as long as it used to
- You've tried physical therapy before and wonder if it's worth another round
- You're not sure which treatments make sense for your joint, or in what order
- You worry that surgery is "inevitable," no matter what you do
- Friends and family have shared very different experiences, and it's hard to know what to believe
- You want to stay active and keep working without stepping away for a long recovery
- You've put off care because you're unsure what it will cost
You're not alone. Many patients come to us with the same questions. Having arthritis does not mean you need surgery now, and for many people, it may not mean surgery at all.
Non-Surgical Options Come First
At OrthoUnited, surgery is a tool, not a default. For most patients with early-to-moderate arthritis, conservative care is the starting point. Before we talk about surgery, we look at what's causing your pain and the least invasive way to keep you moving.
Depending on your joint and your goals, your plan may include:
Injections
Injections can calm inflammation and ease pain, often for weeks to months at a time. Your specialist will explain which type fits your joint, how often it can be repeated, and what kind of relief to expect.
Physical Therapy
Strengthening the muscles around your hip or knee can take pressure off the joint and improve how it moves. Our physical therapists build a plan around your goals, whether that's getting through a workday comfortably or keeping up on walks with friends.
Activity, Weight, and Bracing Support
Small changes, like adjusting how you exercise, managing weight, or using a brace, can make a real difference in how your joint feels day to day.
Medication and Pain Management
Our pain management specialists can help you find the right balance of medication and treatment to manage symptoms safely.
Joint Preservation Before Joint Replacement
For hip and knee patients, we evaluate options that may delay or avoid replacement, including cartilage-preserving procedures and biologic treatments, before recommending a total joint replacement.
What Responsible "Buying Time" Looks Like
Managing arthritis without surgery is a reasonable goal. Doing it well means:
Setting realistic expectations for what each treatment can do
Tracking how long relief lasts and how your daily function changes
Revisiting your plan with your specialist as your needs change
Choosing treatments based on evidence, not pressure in either direction
Our goal is simple: relief now, and smart next steps.
When Injections Stop Being Enough
Arthritis can change over time, and so can what works for you. These signs don't mean you need surgery tomorrow. They mean it may be a good time to check in with your specialist about next steps.
- Relief from injections is shorter or less noticeable
- Pain is affecting your sleep, your workday, or time with family and friends
- You're cutting back on walks, travel, or hobbies you enjoy
- Your joint feels stiffer or less stable than it used to
- Physical therapy and other treatments aren't helping you keep up with daily life
Talking about next steps is not the same as scheduling surgery. It's a conversation, and the decision stays yours.
Relief Now. Smart Next Steps.
Not sure if your current treatment is still the right fit? An OrthoUnited specialist can review what's worked so far and help you plan what comes next.
If Surgery Ever Becomes Necessary: A Different Kind of Joint Replacement
Many people put off care because they picture joint replacement as a long, painful ordeal. If you ever reach that point, it may look different than you expect.
A growing number of OrthoUnited joint specialists have completed specialized training in muscle-sparing joint replacement. Instead of cutting through major muscles, the surgeon reaches the hip or knee through natural gaps between them. Because more of the surrounding tissue stays intact, patients may experience:
- Less pain after surgery
- Less need for narcotic pain medication
- Getting up and walking sooner
- A faster return to work and daily activities
Not every patient is a candidate. Your anatomy, joint condition, and surgical history all play a role, and your surgeon will talk with you about whether a muscle-sparing approach is right for you.
Why Choose OrthoUnited?
One Connected Team at Every Stage
From your first evaluation through injections, physical therapy, and, if it's ever needed, surgery and recovery, your care stays with one team. You won't have to start over or retell your story. See what to expect on Your Orthopaedic Care Journey.
A Plan Built Around Your Goals
We focus on what matters to you: staying active, working comfortably, and continuing the hobbies you enjoy.
Clear, No-Pressure Guidance
We explain your options in plain terms, share what the evidence supports, and help you decide when you're ready.
Specialized Setting. Smarter Cost.
Our offices aren't hospital-owned, so visits and in-office injections don't come with an added hospital facility fee. If surgery is ever needed, our outpatient surgical centers often cost less than a hospital.
Local Access
Convenient locations for appointments, imaging, injections, physical therapy, and surgery.
Get to Know Our Hip and Knee Specialists
Our total joint team helps patients at every stage, from non-surgical care to joint replacement if it's ever needed.
Patient Stories & Reviews
Many patients come to us hoping to stay active without rushing into surgery. Here's what some of them have shared.
Frequently Asked Questions About Avoiding Joint Replacement
Can injections solve my joint pain?
Injections can ease pain and inflammation, often for weeks to months, and help you stay active. They don't reverse arthritis, so they work best as part of a plan that includes physical therapy and other conservative care. Your specialist can explain what to realistically expect.
How long can I manage this without replacing my joint?
It depends on your joint, your symptoms, and your goals. Some people manage early-to-moderate arthritis with non-surgical care for many years. Regular check-ins help you and your specialist decide together if and when your plan should change.
Is surgery inevitable if I have arthritis?
No. Arthritis is different for everyone, and many people never need joint replacement. Surgery is usually considered only when non-surgical treatments are no longer helping you do the things that matter to you.
What is joint preservation, and can it delay a joint replacement?
Joint preservation focuses on protecting the joint you have for as long as possible. Depending on your condition, it may include physical therapy, injections, weight and activity management, bracing, and, for some patients, cartilage-preserving procedures or biologic treatments. For many people, these options can help delay replacement.
How often can I get an injection?
It depends on the type of injection and your joint. Specialists often limit how frequently the same joint is injected, so your provider will recommend a schedule that balances relief with long-term joint health.
Is muscle-sparing joint replacement right for me?
If surgery ever becomes necessary, it may be. Candidacy depends on your anatomy, joint condition, and surgical history. Your surgeon will review these with you and explain whether a muscle-sparing approach fits your situation. Learn more about muscle-sparing joint replacement.
Will my insurance cover non-surgical treatment?
Many commercial plans cover medically necessary treatments like injections and physical therapy, but coverage varies. Check with your insurance provider for details, and our financial counselors can help you understand anticipated costs.
Can I schedule an appointment online?
Yes. You can schedule an appointment online anytime, or call the location nearest you.
Let's Talk Through Your Options
You don't have to decide anything today. A visit with an OrthoUnited specialist is a chance to understand your joint, review what's worked so far, and build a plan that fits your life.