Minimally Invasive Arthritis Treatments That Avoid Surgery

Arthritis pain can make even simple daily activities feel overwhelming. For many patients, the idea of joint replacement surgery is daunting. At Midwest Sports and Interventional Spine, we focus on targeted, evidence-based treatments designed to relieve joint pain while preserving function and minimizing downtime.

Understanding Minimally Invasive Arthritis Care

Minimally invasive arthritis treatments focus on addressing pain at its source rather than masking symptoms with long-term medication. These procedures are typically performed on an outpatient basis, require little to no recovery time, and are ideal for patients who want relief without the risks and recovery associated with surgery. They are commonly used to treat arthritis affecting the knees, hips, shoulders, spine, and other weight-bearing joints.

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)

Radiofrequency Ablation is an advanced treatment option for patients with moderate to severe arthritis pain who have not found lasting relief from conservative care.

RFA works by using controlled heat to disrupt specific pain-transmitting nerves around the affected joint. By interrupting these pain signals, RFA can provide long-term relief - often lasting six months to a year or longer.

Benefits of RFA include:

• Significant reduction in chronic joint pain

• Improved mobility and function

• No incisions or implants

• Minimal recovery time

• Reduced reliance on pain medications

RFA is commonly used for knee, hip, and spine-related arthritis pain and is especially beneficial for patients who are not ready for or wish to avoid joint replacement surgery.

Joint Injections for Arthritis Relief

Joint injections are a cornerstone of minimally invasive arthritis treatment and can provide both diagnostic insight and therapeutic relief.

Depending on the patient’s condition, injections may include:

• Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation

• Local anesthetics to interrupt pain signals

These injections are performed using precise imaging guidance to ensure accurate placement, maximizing effectiveness while minimizing side effects.

Joint injections can help:

• Reduce inflammation and swelling

• Improve range of motion

• Relieve pain during flare-ups

• Delay or avoid surgical intervention

For many patients, injections are an effective way to stay active and manage arthritis symptoms safely.

Viscosupplementation: Joint Lubrication Therapy

Viscosupplementation is a specialized injection therapy most commonly used for knee arthritis. It involves injecting hyaluronic acid - a substance naturally found in joint fluid - into the joint to improve lubrication and cushioning.

As arthritis progresses, natural joint fluid becomes thinner and less effective. Viscosupplementation helps restore smoother joint movement and reduce friction.

Advantages of viscosupplementation include:

• Improved joint mobility

• Decreased stiffness and pain

• Gradual, long-lasting relief

• Minimal side effects

• No downtime

This option is especially helpful for patients with osteoarthritis who want to remain active and postpone or avoid knee replacement surgery.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Minimally Invasive Arthritis Treatments?

You may be a good candidate if you:

• Have chronic joint pain from arthritis

• Want to avoid or delay surgery

• Have not achieved relief from physical therapy or medications

• Prefer non-opioid pain management options

• Want faster recovery with minimal interruption to daily life

A comprehensive evaluation is essential to determine the best treatment approach for your specific condition.

Explore Non-Surgical Arthritis Treatment Options

Living with arthritis does not mean living with constant pain - or rushing into surgery. Minimally invasive treatments like Radiofrequency Ablation, joint injections, and viscosupplementation offer effective solutions that help patients regain comfort and mobility while avoiding major surgical procedures.

If arthritis pain is limiting your movement or affecting your daily activities, schedule a consultation at Midwest Sports and Interventional Spine and learn whether minimally invasive arthritis treatments are right for you. Visit our office in Lake Geneva or Kenosha, Wisconsin, or call (262) 299-6199 to book an appointment.