Why Joint Pain Should Never Be Ignored

Joint pain can change how you move and enjoy your day. You may push through the discomfort for a while, hoping it will fade, but persistent pain usually signals 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 a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who serves patients in Rancho Mirage and Palm Springs, California, Hansel E. Ihn, MD, knows that there’s a better way 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 to reduce inflammation, improve stability, and encourage healing. When your joint responds well to these therapies, 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 therapies, including:

• Arthritis in its early stages
• Early cartilage damage
• Ligament injuries
• Chronic joint irritation

You don’t need to wait for severe pain before you explore these options. In fact, the earlier you address joint problems, the better your long-term results tend to be.

Signs you may benefit from joint preservation

Your body often gives subtle clues when something isn’t quite right. When joint pain begins to affect how you move and feel each day, these signs may point to the need for joint preservation care:

• Sharp pain when twisting or bending a joint
• A deep ache that lingers after activity
• Joint swelling that appears often, even with mild use
• Morning stiffness or discomfort after long periods of sitting
• Difficulty with those first few steps after standing
• Limited range of motion; restricted mobility
• Frequent clicking or grinding in the joint

These early warning signs often appear long before severe damage develops. With timely care, you can protect your joint and reduce the likelihood of needing more invasive treatment in the future.

What to expect during your joint 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 also order diagnostic imaging tests to see what’s happening inside the problematic joint.

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

How joint preservation works

Joint preservation can include several approaches. Dr. Ihn may use targeted injections that reduce inflammation or stimulate healing. 

He may recommend therapies that strengthen the muscles around the joint, or guide you through exercises that improve balance and protect the joint from further strain. Some patients benefit from braces or support devices that enhance alignment and reduce pressure.

When your body receives the right combination of treatments, your joint begins to function more effectively, and you notice less pain. As you resume your usual activities, improved joint mobility will allow you to move with more confidence. 

Take the next step toward healthy joints

Has joint pain been slowing you down? Don’t wait until it becomes unbearable. Schedule a visit with Dr. Ihn at your nearest office in Rancho Mirage and Palm Springs, California, today.