Every morning, you brace yourself for the same struggle.
Stiff joints can make those first steps out of bed feel overwhelming, and even walking across the room takes extra effort.
When pain becomes constant, it’s natural to worry that surgery may be your only option.
At Florida Spine & Pain Institute, we understand how joint pain affects your independence. That’s why we provide effective, non-surgical care, including advanced interventional pain management options for lasting relief.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Chronic Joint Pain Relief
Relieving chronic pain without surgery is possible. Here are several evidence-based options that may help you:
Medications
You might start with NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen to ease pain and swelling, or acetaminophen if you need pain relief without targeting inflammation.
If your pain is more severe, your provider may suggest prescription-strength options or corticosteroids to calm inflammation.
And if you have a condition like rheumatoid arthritis, disease-modifying drugs may be recommended to slow progression and protect your joints over time.
Physical Therapy for Joint Pain
Physical therapy is a highly effective way to manage joint pain without surgery. Strengthening the muscles around your joints reduces pressure, eases discomfort, and improves movement.
Stretching and flexibility exercises help maintain mobility and reduce stiffness, while low-impact activities like swimming, cycling, or walking keep you active without added stress. Gentle practices such as yoga or tai chi can also support balance and relaxation.
In some cases, occupational therapy may be suggested to adjust daily habits and protect your joints from strain.
Joint Injections for Pain
When joint pain doesn’t improve with basic treatments, injections may offer added relief. Cortisone injections are one of the most common options.
They work by reducing inflammation directly inside the joint, which can ease pain and improve mobility for weeks or even months.
In certain cases, hyaluronic acid injections may also be used, especially for knee arthritis. This treatment adds cushioning and lubrication to the joint, making movement smoother and less painful.
Nerve Blocks and Targeted Injections
When nerve pain is the problem, targeted injections can help by calming or blocking pain signals. Epidural steroid injections are often used for back or leg pain from sciatica or a herniated disc, reducing inflammation and improving mobility.
Peripheral nerve blocks place medication near a specific nerve for relief when other treatments haven’t worked. For pain from the small joints in your spine, a medial branch block may be recommended, both to ease discomfort and to confirm the true source of your pain.
Lifestyle and Supportive Options for Joint Pain Relief
Even small changes can ease joint pain. Losing extra weight reduces pressure on your knees, hips, and other weight-bearing joints, making movement less painful.
At home, ice packs help calm swelling during flare-ups, while heat from a bath or heating pad eases stiffness. Topical creams or gels containing ingredients such as NSAIDs, capsaicin, or menthol can also provide quick relief.
A diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods such as fish, nuts, fruits, and vegetables supports overall joint health. Some people also try supplements like fish oil, glucosamine, or chondroitin, though results can vary.
And when daily tasks feel difficult, braces, splints, or canes can take pressure off your joints, improve stability, and help you stay active.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Seek medical care if:
- Pain is severe, worsening, or limits your ability to do daily tasks.
- There’s swelling, redness, or warmth around the joint.
- Pain starts suddenly, comes with fever, or is linked to injury.
- You notice deformity, grinding, or instability.
Why Choose Florida Spine & Pain Institute
Choosing a trusted team for your care is one of the most important steps you can take. At Florida Spine & Pain Institute, you will be cared for by double board-certified physicians who specialize in interventional pain management and physical medicine.
Whether your path includes joint injections for pain, physical therapy or peripheral nerve block, you can feel confident knowing we provide the most advanced non-surgical joint pain treatment available.
With locations in Clermont, Orlando, Davenport, and Winter Park, as well as services for skilled nursing facilities, our care is accessible to patients throughout Central Florida.
