Conservative Care Options with Dr. Arshi
For many patients with hip or knee arthritis, surgery is not the first step. In fact, non-surgical treatments can often provide significant relief and improve quality of life—especially in the early to moderate stages of arthritis. These techniques are also commonly used for a wide variety of orthopedic conditions, including tendonitis, bursitis, and overuse injuries, depending on the specific diagnosis and patient needs.
As a specialist in hip and knee preservation and reconstruction, Dr. Arshi prioritizes conservative management whenever appropriate, helping patients avoid or delay more invasive procedures like joint replacement.
Personalized Treatment Based on Comprehensive Evaluation
Every patient’s arthritis is different, and effective care starts with a comprehensive evaluation. Dr. Arshi carefully assesses your:
- Medical history and symptoms
- Physical examination findings
- X-rays and advanced imaging
- Lifestyle, activity level, and personal health goals
Based on this full picture, Dr. Arshi will develop a custom treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. Our office is also fully equipped to prescribe and directly coordinate physical therapy, medications, bracing, joint injections, and other supportive services to make your care convenient and efficient.
Common Non-Surgical Treatments
Anti-Inflammatory Medications
Reducing inflammation is one of the most effective ways to relieve joint pain. There are two main types of anti-inflammatory treatments:
- Oral Medications: These include NSAIDs (like ibuprofen or naproxen) and acetaminophen (Tylenol) to reduce pain and stiffness.
- Topical Treatments: Anti-inflammatory gels (such as diclofenac/Voltaren) can be applied directly over painful joints and are particularly effective for the knee and smaller joints with minimal side effects.
Physical Therapy
Targeted physical therapy is one of the most effective tools for improving joint function and reducing pain.
- Therapy focuses on strengthening muscles, improving flexibility, and enhancing balance and coordination.
- Treatment may include:
- Manual therapy
- Stretching and strengthening exercises
- Ice/heat therapy
- Low-impact aerobic conditioning
- Electrical stimulation (e.g., TENS)
Dr. Arshi collaborates closely with trusted physical therapists, and our office can directly refer you to a nearby provider based on your location and preferences.
Bracing
Knee bracing can help stabilize the joint and relieve pressure in targeted areas—especially useful in:
- Unicompartmental (partial) knee arthritis
- Patellofemoral (kneecap) arthritis
- Alignment or instability issues
Dr. Arshi will help determine if a custom-fitted or off-the-shelf brace is right for you, and our office can coordinate the fitting and distribution.
Activity Modifications
Altering certain daily movements or exercises can go a long way in protecting arthritic joints. Dr. Arshi will guide you on how to adjust activity levels without giving up the things you enjoy.
Examples include:
- Switching from running to biking or swimming
- Avoiding deep squats or stairs during flare-ups
- Wearing proper footwear with cushioning and support
- Taking regular breaks from standing or walking
Weight Loss
For patients who are overweight, losing even a small amount of weight can significantly reduce pain in the knees and hips. For example, every pound lost can take 4–6 pounds of pressure off the knee joint during walking.
Weight loss can also:
- Improve mobility
- Reduce inflammation
- Potentially slow the progression of arthritis
Dr. Arshi may provide weight loss guidance or refer you to a specialist for nutritional support as part of a holistic care plan.
Joint Injections
In some cases, injections directly into the joint can help reduce inflammation and provide temporary or long-term relief from arthritis symptoms. These include:
- Corticosteroid (cortisone) injections
- Hyaluronic acid (gel) injections
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections in select cases
To learn more about these options, visit our Joint Injections page for full details.
Taking the First Step Toward Relief
Dr. Arshi’s conservative treatment plans are based on clinical evidence and personalized care. Many patients experience significant improvements in function and quality of life through non-surgical treatments—and for those who may need surgery in the future, conservative care often helps optimize outcomes and delay the need for more invasive procedures.
If you’re experiencing hip or knee pain, stiffness, or mobility limitations, contact us to schedule an evaluation. Together, we’ll create a non-surgical treatment plan that fits your life, goals, and unique condition.