Joint preservation

Joint pain can limit how you move, work and enjoy life. At Novant Health, our orthopedic and joint specialists offer joint preservation to help you keep your natural joints healthy and functional for as long as possible. Through personalized, patient-centered care, we aim to relieve pain, restore movement and delay or even prevent the need for joint replacement.

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What is joint preservation?

Joint preservation is an approach to care that prioritizes maintaining your own joint rather than replacing it with an artificial implant. These treatments address damage early, repair injured structures and improve joint alignment and mechanics. Joint preservation is often ideal for active adults, athletes and younger patients who want to remain mobile and protect their long-term joint health.

Joints are complex systems made up of bones, cartilage, ligaments, tendons and muscles working together to allow smooth movement. Cartilage cushions the ends of bones and reduces friction while ligaments and muscles provide stability and control. Injury, overuse or alignment problems can damage cartilage and disrupt how a joint moves. When damage is localized and surrounding structures remain healthy, joint preservation techniques may restore balance and reduce stress on the joint, helping it function longer without replacement.

Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, our specialists take time to understand your symptoms, activity level and goals. Together, we develop a personalized plan designed to support your lifestyle today while protecting your joint for the future.

Common reasons for joint preservation

Joint preservation techniques may be recommended for a range of conditions and symptoms. You may be a candidate if you experience:

Cartilage defects or focal cartilage injuries
Early-stage arthritis
Meniscus or ligament injuries
Bone misalignment, such as bowlegs or knock knees
Joint pain following sports or repetitive-use injuries
Ongoing joint pain during activity or at rest
Swelling, stiffness or reduced range of motion
Catching, grinding or locking sensations
Difficulty with weight-bearing or stability

Early evaluation is key. Addressing joint problems sooner often leads to better outcomes and more treatment options. If joint pain is interfering with daily life, our specialists can help determine the cause and recommend appropriate care.

Treatment options (surgical and nonsurgical)

Many joint conditions can be managed without surgery. When appropriate, we may recommend:

Nonsurgical

Physical therapy to improve strength, flexibility and joint mechanics
Activity modification to reduce stress on the joint
Bracing or custom orthotics to improve alignment
Injection therapies, including biologic options, to reduce pain and support healing

Surgical

If nonsurgical treatments don't provide sufficient relief, surgical joint preservation may be an option. Procedures are tailored to your specific condition and may include:

Arthroscopic cartilage repair or restoration for damaged cartilage
Osteotomy to realign bones and improve joint loading
Meniscus or ligament repair to restore stability

These techniques are designed to relieve pain, restore movement and extend the life of your natural joint, often delaying the need for joint replacement.

Recovery and rehabilitation

Recovery depends on the procedure and your individual needs. What to expect:

Physical therapy plays a critical role in restoring strength, mobility and confidence
Your care team monitors your progress closely and adjusts your plan as you heal
Long-term follow-up helps manage activity levels, biomechanics and conditioning to protect your joint moving forward
A personalized plan supports your return to daily activities and the sports or hobbies you enjoy

Your orthopedic and joint specialists will walk you through realistic recovery timelines based on your specific procedure and health history.

Risks and considerations

As with any orthopedic treatment, joint preservation procedures carry some risks, which can vary depending on the specific technique used. Your care team will review your diagnosis clearly and discuss the potential risks and benefits of each option before moving forward. This allows you to make informed decisions with confidence. Your specialists are available to answer any questions so you feel supported at every step.

Conditions we treat

Our expert team delivers expert care for a wide range of joint injuries and conditions.

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Why treatment is important?

Untreated joint pain can affect your mobility, comfort and ability to do the things you love. Seeking care early often leads to more treatment options and can help protect your joint's long-term health. Our specialists are here to guide you toward the right plan for lasting comfort and function.