2026 is here—and it’s the right time to pay closer attention to your joint health.
Joint discomfort that persists or gradually worsens should not be brushed aside. Arthritis often progresses quietly, limiting mobility and function long before symptoms feel severe. Taking a proactive approach now can make a meaningful difference. This post outlines common early warning signs of arthritis, today’s treatment options, and when an orthopedic evaluation can help preserve long-term joint function and movement.
Chronic Joint Pain and Morning Stiffness
While it is normal to feel occasional tightness, stiffness that lasts longer than thirty minutes upon waking is a hallmark sign of degenerative joint disease. You might notice that your joints feel "rusty" until you move around, or conversely, that they throb significantly after a period of moderate activity. When the protective cartilage begins to thin, the resulting friction creates internal swelling.
Modern arthritis management focuses on addressing these symptoms before they become debilitating. Options like corticosteroid injections can effectively reduce inflammation, while viscosupplementation (often referred to as "gel shots") helps lubricate the joint to ease discomfort and restore smoother movement during daily tasks.
Mechanical Interference: Catching and Locking
Not all arthritis symptoms feel like a dull ache. Many patients experience mechanical interference, such as a sensation of the knee "catching," "locking," or "giving out" during a pivot. These sensations often indicate that bone spurs or loose fragments of cartilage are interfering with the smooth gliding of the joint surface.
If conservative treatments, including regenerative options like Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections or Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC), are no longer providing sufficient relief, it may be time to discuss advanced surgical solutions. Today’s minimally invasive knee replacement and robotic-assisted techniques prioritize precision and are customized to each patient’s unique anatomy.
Visible Changes and Localized Inflammation
Arthritis often manifests through visible changes that occur long before intense discomfort sets in. Keep a close eye on:
- Localized Swelling: A joint that appears larger than its counterpart or looks "puffy."
- Warmth to the Touch: Persistent heat around the joint area indicates active inflammation.
- Alignment Shifts: A gradual change in the appearance of your legs, such as becoming more bow-legged or knock-kneed.
Why 2026 is the Year to Prioritize Joint Health
With modern advancements like same-day total joint replacement and the direct anterior approach for hip surgery, the recovery process is more streamlined than ever. These tissue-sparing methods for knee replacement allow many patients to return home the same day with reduced scarring and a quicker return to their routines.
Monitoring these symptoms today ensures you stay ahead of degenerative changes. If you are experiencing any of these warning signs, book an appointment to receive a comprehensive evaluation and a personalized plan to keep you moving confidently.
AUTHOR: Richard Boe, MD, is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in minimally invasive direct anterior hip replacement and robotic-assisted knee replacement surgery at Resurgens Orthopaedics, serving the greater Atlanta area. Dr. Boe is an active member of the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons, the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons, and the Georgia Orthopaedic Society.