For years, patients have been told there’s nothing to do for arthritis until they’re ready for surgery. But that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Think about your car—do you only take it to the shop when it breaks down? Of course not! You get oil changes, tire rotations, and routine inspections to avoid major repairs. So why wouldn’t you do the same for your joints?
Welcome to orthopedic maintenance.
Just like your car, your knees (and other joints) need attention before things break down. That means treating pain and stiffness early—not just chalking it up to “getting older.”
Here’s how we help maintain your joints and avoid or delay surgery, especially for knee arthritis:
1. Steroid (Cortisone) Injections
Quick relief for pain and swelling—great for flare-ups or important life events. These can also be a smart option for patients who aren’t good candidates for surgery
2. Hyaluronic Acid (Viscosupplement) Injections
Think of these as your “oil change” injections. They cushion and lubricate the knee and can give relief for 4–12 months. Safe, effective, and often covered by insurance.
3. Orthobiologic Injections (like PRP)
These are your game changers. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP), made from your own blood, is backed by hundreds clinical studies. They help reduce inflammation, ease pain, improve function, and likely slow down cartilage damage. We’ve been doing these for almost 15 years with great results. These typically provide the longest lasting relief of 1-2 years in most patients.
The Bottom Line:
Arthritis isn’t all-or-nothing. There’s a lot we can do before surgery. And like dentists and primary care doctors, orthopedic specialists are now focusing on preventive care—not just reacting when things get bad.
If you’re ready to be proactive about your joint health, we’re here to guide you every step of the way
F. Clarke Holmes, M.D.
