Non Surgical Options

Non-surgical options for reducing pain and increasing mobility are always presented to a patient by Dr. Royce.  Exercise, medications, and injections may offer relief acceptable to a patient. Jason Theosadokis, MD has published and researched on non-surgical methods used reduce the pain caused by arthritis. 

Often patients are able to increase exercise and recover from injuries without surgery. Physical therapists, occupational therapists, personal trainers and other professionals are able to guide a patient through appropriate exercise to rebuild the muscles and ligaments supporting a knee or shoulder joint.

Anti-inflammatory medications to help reduce swelling and relieve pain are available over the counter at pharmacies. The use of non-steriodal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) needs to have physician guidance if taken on a routine schedule. Side effects have been identified for over-use and combining NSAIDs with other drugs or alcohol.

As mentioned on other pages in this website, viscosupplementation or hyaluronic acid therapy is a non-steriodal injection into the knee joint to relieve pain. Other FDA approved injections into the joints are available from Dr. Royce depending on the patient's condition.