Devices, instruments and associated methods for the subchondral treatment of osteoarthritis in hip and shoulder joints are provided. In addition, a method for treating joint pain is provided. The method comprises: identifying a subchondral defect in a subchondral region of a bone of the joint selecting a subchondral access path to a location near the subchondral defect and treating the subchondral defect, via the subchondral access, in a manner that restores normal force distribution and joint function while preserving the articular surface of the bone, wherein the joint is a hip or shoulder.
