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They will likely question you about your activity level and when you first noticed the pain. They may also move the joint to check for flexibility and painful points. Depending on the possible prognoses, the doctor might order imaging tests, such as X-rays or MRI scans. Schedule a few short, trial sessions with an acupuncturist. Your doctor may be able to recommend a skilled practitioner. During your session the acupuncturist will insert a series of long, sharp needles into problem muscles and joints. See how well you tolerate this procedures and, if your pain reduces, make more regular appointments.  The majority of insurance plans will not cover acupuncture therapy, so ask about the costs before scheduling your sessions. Acupuncture may also reduce joint stiffness for people suffering from fibromyalgia, which is similar to arthritis. This is a procedure performed in a doctor’s office, where corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid is injected with a needle straight into your joint. The steroids helps to minimize pain for around 2 months maximum, whereas the acid works for around 24 weeks. The steroids are a more reliable treatment for pain, as the acid injections don’t work on the knees, hips, and some other joints. This is when a doctor will go into the joint and remove any damaged tissue. This is a fairly non-invasive option. However, it works best as part of a targeted treatment to counteract the damage from a specific injury. This is when a surgeon shaves down the bones to better align the joint. This procedure involves a longer recovery, but can effectively address long-term pain.

Summary:
Talk with your doctor for pain lasting longer than 1 week. Visit an acupuncturist every 2 weeks. Get steroid or acid injections every 2 months. Opt for a debridement procedure if you have injury-related pain. Agree to an osteotomy if you have chronic pain.