Knee Pain from Osteoarthritis
We specialize in a newer, minimally invasive option called Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE). This outpatient procedure targets the root cause of pain by reducing abnormal blood flow that contributes to inflammation in the knee. The result is significant pain relief—without major surgery and with minimal downtime.
Ready to take the next step?
Understanding Knee Osteoarthritis
Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis and a leading cause of knee pain in adults. It occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones gradually wears down over time.
When cartilage breaks down, the bones in the joint can rub against each other. This can lead to inflammation, pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility.
Common Symptoms
Patients with knee osteoarthritis may experience:
- Knee pain that worsens with activity
- Joint stiffness, especially in the morning
- Difficulty walking, climbing stairs, or getting up from a chair
- A feeling that the knee may “give way” or feel unstable
Symptoms often develop gradually and may worsen over time.
Risk Factors
Several factors can increase the likelihood of developing knee osteoarthritis:
- Age (more common after age 60)
- Excess body weight
- Previous knee injuries
- Family history of arthritis
- Female gender
Treatment Options for Knee Osteoarthritis
Many patients begin with conservative treatments to help manage symptoms and improve mobility.
Lifestyle Treatments
- Physical therapy
- Strengthening and flexibility exercises
- Weight loss (even modest weight loss can reduce knee pain)
- Assistive devices such as a cane or knee brace
Medications
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
- Anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or naproxen
- Topical anti-inflammatory creams or gels
- Prescription medications for pain management
Knee Injections
- Corticosteroid injections for temporary pain relief
- Hyaluronic acid injections (results may vary between patients)
Surgery
For advanced arthritis that does not improve with conservative treatment, total knee replacement surgery may be recommended.
A Minimally Invasive Option: Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)
GAE is a minimally invasive, image-guided procedure that targets the inflammation responsible for knee pain in osteoarthritis. The procedure works by blocking abnormal blood vessels around the knee that contribute to chronic inflammation and pain.
Many patients are interested in GAE because it:
- Does not require major surgery
- Is performed as an outpatient procedure
- Has minimal downtime
- May help reduce pain and improve mobility
Learn more about this treatment in the next tab: Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE).
Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)
Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) is a minimally invasive treatment for knee pain caused by osteoarthritis. It is performed by an interventional radiologist using advanced image-guided techniques.
How GAE Works
Osteoarthritis causes inflammation in the knee joint. This inflammation can lead to the formation of abnormal small blood vessels that contribute to persistent pain.
GAE works by:
- Identifying these abnormal blood vessels
- Blocking them using tiny particles delivered through a catheter
Reducing blood flow to these inflamed areas can help decrease inflammation and relieve pain.
What to Expect During the Procedure
GAE is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, meaning patients go home the same day.
During the procedure:
- A small catheter is inserted through a tiny incision, usually in the groin
- Using X-ray guidance, the catheter is guided to the small arteries supplying the knee
- Tiny particles are injected to block the abnormal blood vessels
The procedure typically takes 30-60 minutes
Most patients return to normal activities within a few days.
Results
- 62–78% of patients experience meaningful improvement in pain and function
- Pain reduction of 40–55% within the first year
- Best results are typically seen in mild to moderate osteoarthritis
- Patient with severe osteoarthritis may have less symptomatic improvement
Pain relief often begins within 1–3 months and may last 1–2 years or longer.
Am I a Candidate? | Schedule a Consultation
You may be a candidate for Genicular Artery Embolization if you:
- Have knee pain caused by osteoarthritis
- Have tried conservative treatments
- Continue to have pain that affects your daily activities
- Want to avoid or delay knee replacement surgery
- Are not a good candidate for surgery due to other medical conditions
GAE is most effective for patients with mild to moderate osteoarthritis.
A consultation is necessary to determine whether this treatment is appropriate for you.
Schedule a Consultation
During your consultation, we will:
- Review your symptoms and medical history
- Evaluate previous treatments you have tried
- Review imaging studies such as X-rays or MRI if available
- Determine whether Genicular Artery Embolization may be right for you
Our goal is to provide minimally invasive treatment options that help reduce pain and improve quality of life.
Contact our office to schedule a consultation and learn whether GAE may be right for you.
FAQS
Achilles Tendinopathy Embolization is an advanced treatment option for chronic tendon pain.
Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts. Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast
Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts. Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast
Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts. Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast
Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts. Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast
Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts. Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast
Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts. Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast
Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts. Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast
Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts. Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast
Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts. Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast
Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts. Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast
TESTIMONIALS