Nonsurgical treatment of hip & knee arthritis
Most patients with arthritis start with nonsurgical care — and many manage well for years. These surgeon-authored guides explain the full continuum, from activity changes and therapy to injections, and when replacement becomes the better option. Written and medically reviewed by Matthew Harb, M.D.
Nonsurgical Treatment of Hip & Knee Arthritis
Most patients with hip or knee arthritis start — and often stay — with nonsurgical care, sometimes for years. It works best as a layered, individualized plan, building from movement and strength to selective injections. Here is how the pieces fit together, what each can realistically do, and when replacement becomes the better option.
What Are My Injection Options? Cortisone, Gel & PRP Compared
Three injections do most of the work in my office: cortisone, hyaluronic acid (gel) and PRP. They are not interchangeable — they work differently, last different lengths of time, and suit different patients. Here is how I choose between them, what each one honestly delivers, and what PRP costs.
Read guidePRP for Hip & Knee Arthritis: A Surgeon’s Honest Guide
I offer platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections in my practice, and for the right patient I’m a real believer in them. I’m also honest about what PRP can and can’t do. Here’s how I actually use PRP for hip and knee arthritis — who tends to benefit, what to expect, and how it compares with cortisone and with joint replacement.
Read guidePRP for Knee Arthritis: Who It Helps and What to Expect
PRP is a non-surgical option for knee arthritis that uses your own platelets, and the growth factors they release, in high concentration. I offer it to patients who want a more natural injection, who can’t take cortisone, or who want to delay surgery. Here’s how it works, when you’ll know if it’s working, how long it lasts, and how I talk about it when the arthritis is severe.
Read guideCortisone Shots for Hip & Knee Arthritis: How Often and How Long They Last
A cortisone shot is one of the fastest ways to calm an arthritic hip or knee. I think of it as a way to buy time, not a cure. Here’s how long it lasts, how often you can have one, how the hip and knee differ, whether insurance covers it, and what it means when the shots stop lasting.
Read guideHyaluronic Acid (Gel) Injections for Knee & Hip Arthritis
Gel injections — hyaluronic acid, or “viscosupplementation” — aim to restore some of the joint’s natural cushioning and lubrication. They’re a well-established, well-tolerated option for knee arthritis and, for the right patient, can ease pain and help maintain an active, comfortable routine for months at a time.
Read guidePhysical Therapy for Hip & Knee Arthritis
Physical therapy is one of the most useful and underused tools in nonsurgical arthritis care. Targeted strengthening of the muscles around the hip or knee meaningfully reduces pain, improves function, and helps you stay active — and for many patients with mild to moderate arthritis, it’s the foundation of the whole plan.
Read guideActivity Modification for Hip & Knee Arthritis
Activity modification isn’t about giving up the active life — it’s about adapting it. Smart substitutions, weight management, supportive footwear, and the occasional walking aid can dramatically reduce arthritis pain and help you stay active for years longer. It’s one of the most underestimated tools in nonsurgical care.
Read guideNot sure which treatment is right for you?
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Harb to discuss your hip or knee and build a plan to get you back to the activities you love.
Not ready to book? Read how to choose a hip or knee surgeon