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Knee Pain: Finding Relief with Genicular Artery Embolization

Knee pain is a common complaint, affecting millions of Americans and significantly impacting their quality of life. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading cause of knee pain, causing the breakdown of cartilage that cushions the joint. This breakdown leads to pain, stiffness, and difficulty with everyday activities.

Symptoms of Knee Pain from Osteoarthritis:

  • Aching or pain in your knee, especially after activity and at rest
  • Stiffness in your knee, particularly in the morning or after sitting for long periods
  • Swelling or tenderness around the knee
  • Difficulty bending or straightening your knee
  • Grating or popping sensation in the knee
  • Weakness or instability in the knee

Causes and Risk Factors of Knee Osteoarthritis:

While the exact cause of OA is not fully understood, several factors can increase your risk:

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Age:

The risk of OA increases as we age.

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Weight:

Excess weight puts extra stress on your knee joints.

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Previous knee injury:

Previous injuries like fractures or ligament tears can contribute to OA

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Family history:

Having a family member with OA increases your risk.

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Occupation:

Jobs that involve heavy lifting or repetitive knee bending can contribute.

Sound Familiar?

Take Our Quiz To See If You’re At Risk

Treatment Options for Knee Pain from Osteoarthritis:

There are several treatment options available for knee pain caused by OA, focusing on managing pain and improving your ability to function.

  • Conservative measures: Lifestyle changes like weight management, exercise, and physical therapy can play a significant role.
  • Medications: Pain relievers and medications to reduce inflammation can offer relief.
  • Joint injections: Cortisone injections may provide temporary pain relief.
  • Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE): Here at [Clinic Name], we offer Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) as a minimally invasive treatment option for knee pain caused by OA. During GAE, our interventional radiologists use a catheter to reach the blood vessels supplying blood flow to the inflamed lining of your knee joint. Tiny particles are then introduced to block these vessels, reducing inflammation and pain.
    • Benefits of GAE:
      • Minimally invasive with a faster recovery time compared to surgery.
      • Offers long-lasting pain relief and improvement in knee function.
      • May be an option for patients who are not candidates for or wish to avoid knee replacement surgery.
    • Knee replacement surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to replace the damaged joint with an artificial one.