Are You a Candidate for Joint Preservation Therapy?

Joint pain can change how you move, work, and enjoy your day. You may push through the discomfort for a while, hoping it fades, but persistent pain usually sends a message that deserves attention. Many people assume joint pain always leads to surgery, yet modern treatments offer more options than you might realize. 

As an orthopedic surgeon who serves patients in Rancho Mirage and La Quinta, California, Hansel E. Ihn, MD, knows that there’s another option to treat joint pain. 

Joint preservation therapy focuses on protecting your natural joint structure, easing pain, and restoring mobility without removing or replacing anything. If you want to keep your joints strong and functional for as long as possible, this approach may give you the relief you need.

Understanding joint preservation

Joint preservation focuses on improving joint health rather than replacing the damaged joint. Dr. Ihn uses treatments that support the tissues inside and around the joint. These methods help reduce inflammation, improve stability, and encourage healing. When your joint responds well to these treatments, you move more easily and feel less pain in your daily routine.

Many patients are surprised to learn how many conditions respond well to joint preservation. Arthritis, early cartilage damage, ligament injuries, or chronic irritation can all benefit. You don’t need to wait for severe pain before you explore these options, either. In fact, the earlier you treat joint problems, the better your long-term results tend to be.

Signs you may benefit from joint preservation

Your body usually tells you when something feels off. You may notice a sharp pain in your joint when you twist or bend it. You may feel a deep ache after activity. Swelling may appear more often than before. 

These changes can signal tissue irritation that responds well to preservation techniques. Some people also feel stiffness in the morning or after prolonged sitting. When you stand up, your joints might resist those first few steps.

If you struggle to enjoy activities that once felt easy, you may be a strong candidate for joint preservation. If you notice changes in your range of motion or hear frequent clicking or grinding, schedule an evaluation sooner, rather than later. 

These small signs often appear long before severe damage develops. With proper care, you can protect your joint and avoid more invasive treatments later.

What to expect during your evaluation

During your visit, Dr. Ihn discusses your symptoms and lifestyle. He wants to know what movements cause pain and how long the discomfort has affected your daily routine. You can expect a physical exam that focuses on strength, flexibility, and function. Dr. Ihn may order imaging to see what’s happening inside the joint, as well.

These details help him decide if joint preservation can meet your needs. Sometimes your joint needs stability. Sometimes it needs reduced inflammation. Sometimes the soft tissues around the joint need support. Dr. Ihn develops a plan tailored to your condition and goals.

Take the next step toward healthy joints

If joint pain slows you down, don’t wait until it becomes unbearable. To keep your joints healthy and functional, schedule an appointment with Dr. Ihn at your nearest office in Rancho Mirage and La Quinta, California, today.