Knee pain is one of the most common ailments seen in daily medical practice. In fact, after age 65, nearly 85% of people show signs of wear and tear on their X-rays. And 40% live with pain that interferes with their daily activities. The good news is that medicine has come a long way. Thanks to innovative techniques, we now have GAE for knee osteoarthritis, also known as genicular artery embolization. This minimally invasive procedure is giving hope to those who thought they had no option but surgery.
Living With Osteoarthritis: Why Conventional Treatment Isn’t Always Enough
Imagine cartilage is a tissue that covers the bones, allowing for smooth joint movement. Osteoarthritis is the wear and tear of this tissue.
Over time, the cartilage thins and fissures form. In this situation, bones are exposed against each other, leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling. Sometimes, the body tries to compensate for the wear and tear by developing bone spurs or growths (called osteophytes), which further restrict movement.
Osteoarthritis can develop anywhere in the body, but it is particularly problematic when it affects the knee, as even walking or getting up from a chair can become a challenge.
Common Symptoms
If you experience any of the following symptoms, you may have osteoarthritis:
- Pain when walking or climbing stairs.
- Stiffness upon waking, which lessens with movement.
- Swelling or warmth around the knee.
- Popping or cracking sounds when bending the knee.
- Loss of flexibility.
- In advanced stages, the shape of the knee may change significantly.
Conventional Treatments
Every person is unique, so osteoarthritis treatment is always tailored to each patient. Common treatments for osteoarthritis include:
- Lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy weight and exercising.
- Medications, which may include pain relievers or hyaluronic acid injections to soothe the affected area.
- Physical therapy, which can improve posture and increase strength.
- Surgery, which is usually a last resort. While knee replacement is very effective, it is very expensive, as are the risks and recovery time.
Therefore, in many cases, embolization is presented as a solution for those who do not find relief with conventional methods, but are not yet ready for surgery.
✅Read more about our services: GAE (Genicular Artery Embolization) Treatment
GAE for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Minimally Invasive Alternative
Genicular artery embolization (GAE) for knee osteoarthritis has become established as a modern and safe procedure. It is a highly effective alternative to traditional surgery, designed to help patients regain their well-being with a much faster recovery.
It’s important to understand that osteoarthritis, in addition to wear and tear, also involves inflammation, which leads to an increase in the number of blood vessels in the joint. In these cases, embolization selectively blocks the blood vessels affected by inflammation.
This “excess” of blood vessels reduces pain, and the knee regains its normal function, thus avoiding the need for a prosthesis.
Simple, Same-Day Treatment
Genicular artery embolization is a relatively simple procedure. You will be given local anesthesia and light sedation for your comfort:
- A very thin catheter is inserted into an artery.
- Using X-ray imaging, a specialist will precisely locate the inflamed blood vessels.
- Microparticles are injected into these vessels, blocking blood flow.
You will be discharged within a few hours, and most patients return home the same day.
Who Should Consider GAE?
The best candidates for genicular artery embolization are:
- People who suffer from persistent pain and have already tried physical therapy or medication without success.
- People who wish to avoid prosthetic surgery or who are not candidates for it.
- Older adults at high risk of surgical complications.
- People who want a minimally invasive treatment that does not limit their future treatment options.
🚨Don’t miss out: Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) vs. Knee Replacement Surgery
Quick Relief and Low Risk
The genicular artery embolization for knee osteoarthritis procedure is extremely safe. The risk of complications is very low (less than 2%), consisting of mild pain or bruising at the insertion site, which disappear spontaneously within a couple of days.
Best of all, you can resume your normal activities within 24 to 48 hours. Pain relief is felt within the first few weeks, and the results last for years, restoring the independence you value so much.
Knee Pain Relief at The Painless Center, New Jersey
Your life of living with knee pain doesn’t have to be your “new normal.” Embolization is a medical technology that provides you with a genuine chance of enjoying your walks once again without requiring you to go through major surgeries.
At The Painless Center, Dr. Jason Chiu, a double board-certified Pain Management Specialist and Anesthesiologist, offers this minimally invasive treatment for knee pain. GAE for knee osteoarthritis may offer effectiveness comparable to more intensive options. If you are interested in learning more about GAE, contact us in Carlstadt & Tenafly, New Jersey, or schedule your appointment online today.