Knee Pain No More: Strategies for a New Year, New Solutions

Anyone who suffers from persistent knee pain will tell you that it is more than just an inconvenience; it is life-altering. You struggle to get around every day, and you certainly do not have the mobility you once did to climb stairs at the mall, go on hikes with a loved one, walk the dog, or keep up with your grandkids at the park. There is significant discomfort—even when relaxing in front of a warm fire or watching TV—and the constant reminder that you are limited can lead you to believe this is your new normal.

But life does not have to be this way. Knee pain, even due to osteoarthritis, can be a thing of the past as soon as this year, thanks to an innovative treatment called genicular artery embolization (GAE). It is time to enjoy a year without knee pain by scheduling a consultation with StrideCare’s experienced vascular doctors today.

Are you experiencing knee pain due to osteoarthritis? Schedule with a StrideCare vascular specialist. Our GAE procedure may be the solution you need this new year.    

Yes, your knee pain can go beyond normal wear and tear and become a vascular issue. To illustrate the transformative results of GAE, here are personal stories from two of our patients who underwent this minimally invasive procedure. Under the skillful care of a board-certified interventional radiologist, these ladies have reclaimed their lives.

Cathy’s Story: Limited Mobility, Inflammation Are Common Signs of Chronic Knee Pain

Cathy’s life had been severely impacted by her knee pain. She could not walk, stand, or do any weight-bearing activities for months. If that were not enough, her condition worsened to the point where her knee became swollen and unbearably painful. Desperate for a solution, she scheduled an appointment with Dr. Dean Chauvin at StrideCare Vascular.

“He was wonderful,” she said. “He took the time; I didn’t feel rushed. He explained everything with such great detail, so I thought, ‘It’s a no-brainer. I’ve got to get the GAE procedure done!”

About Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)

GAE is a minimally invasive procedure designed to treat knee pain caused by osteoarthritis or other conditions. Researchers estimate that over 32.5 million U.S. adults have osteoarthritis (OA) which typically develops gradually in joints due to injury, illness, or repetitive use. This includes the knees, which are particularly vulnerable because the forces transmitted across the knee joint during normal walking range between 2 and 3 times a person’s body weight. Osteoarthritis is most common in people over 50, though younger individuals can experience it. While there is no cure for osteoarthritis, studies suggest that undiagnosed inflammation in the lining of the knee could exacerbate persistent knee pain.

Here’s how GAE works: A vascular doctor gently inserts a small catheter into an artery near the upper thigh or ankle. With X-ray imaging, they precisely identify the arteries supplying blood to the inflamed areas of the knee. Once the catheter is in position, tiny particles are introduced into the targeted arteries. By cutting off blood supply to the arteries in this area of the knee, inflammation is reduced—appropriate for someone like Cathy whose knee had become extremely swollen over time—and the patient can experience pain relief quickly.

A few advantages of GAE include the following:

• Significant reduction in pain
• No incisions
• No hospital stays (outpatient procedure)
• Only 45-60 minutes to complete
• No painful side effects or downtime
• Success rate between 84%-100% of patients

The results were equally effective for Cathy. Three weeks after the procedure, she reported that she went grocery shopping with her daughter for two hours without pain. Her mobility was smooth and easy.

“I was like, ‘Oh wow. Oh wow—I have not felt this good in years,’” Cathy said with an excited tone in her voice. “If I had known about this procedure sooner, I definitely would have done it immediately.”

Ivy’s Story: GAE Gave Me “A Different Pep in My Step”

Ivy used one word to describe her knee pain: excruciating. For as long as she could remember, she struggled to bend her legs or sit for long periods—so much so that even after a successful GAE procedure, she admitted to having to re-train herself to use her legs again physically.

Ivy certainly wanted relief from her knee pain but did not want to go through a complex surgery. Once she visited Dr. Dean Chauvin at StrideCare Vascular and was presented with the option to undergo GAE, she jumped at the chance.

“Everything was painful in my legs before GAE,” she said. “Since then, it has been a whole lot better. I have been intentional about exercising, walking, bending my legs, and just moving my legs in general. I’m able to walk around the school better than I ever had before—I have a different pep in my step.”

Give yourself the gift of no more knee pain this new year. Schedule a consultation with a StrideCare vascular specialist today. Our collaborative approach ensures you receive the care you need.

Interesting Facts about GAE as a Non-Surgical Knee Pain Option

Individuals like Ivy might not consider visiting a vascular surgeon about knee pain at first. Often, knee pain is deduced to a life situation that patients simply endure. Plus, if cartilage has been damaged in any way, some doctors may tell their patients that nothing can be suggested as a long-term solution beyond prescription medication, knee injections, physical therapy, braces and splints, activity modification, and weight loss. While all these options can be temporarily effective, sticking strictly to them can be a disservice to patients.

It is in a patient’s best interest to explore every option to find relief for osteoarthritis knee pain. When conservative tactics do not work, genicular artery embolization (GAE) can help eliminate pain and avoid invasive surgical options.

Imagine overcoming these and other osteoarthritis knee pain symptoms for good:

• Mild to severe knee pain
• Limited range of motion
• Unstable knee joint (feels like it will buckle)
• Knee locking, popping, and sticking
• Stiffness, especially in the morning or after inactivity
• Inflammation
• Creaking, crackling, and grating sensations
• Bone spurs

It is easy to think knee pain is your new normal when it has been dominating your life. This is especially true as you age. But your chronic knee pain can be treated with the right approach, which is why seeking treatment before it gets worse is so important. Depending on your unique needs, StrideCare offers minimally invasive treatment options, including GAE. A consultation followed by a diagnostic test can help your vascular doctor understand how severe your condition is and suggest a treatment plan that fits your needs.

Hear for yourself how patients Cathy and Ivy experienced successful knee pain treatment without surgery:

Trust StrideCare With Your Knee Pain Needs Today

We understand your knee pain is all you can think about right now. We also understand that you would rather recapture the amazingly carefree and mobile life you used to have. All of this is possible by visiting a StrideCare Vascular clinic. For those worried that they will have to go through a total knee replacement, genicular artery embolization (GAE) is a game-changer when it comes to erasing inflammation in the knee and dramatically reducing the pain associated with osteoarthritis.

GAE is 97.5% effective, with no need for knee surgery. Patients interested in GAE must meet the following criteria:

1. Age between 40-80 years old with moderate to severe knee pain and local knee tenderness
2. Osteoarthritis based on X-ray but without bony deformities or sclerosis
3. Knee pain resisted conservative treatment (medication, physical therapy, joint injections, etc.)

StrideCare has long been a leader in multi-specialty care for treating lower-extremity vascular and podiatric conditions. This includes our ability to perform leading-edge procedures to treat artery and vein disease and symptoms that, while minor in their earliest stages, can eventually lead to more severe and life-interrupting issues. The key is not to delay seeking help. Our expert doctors and caring staff utilize the latest technologies and minimally invasive procedures to help our patients reclaim their lives.

The experts at StrideCare will recommend an individualized plan to help you get the best results. Please contact us at 866-552-4866 or complete the appointment form to schedule a consultation. We are here to help, all while providing compassionate patient care.

This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Prior to starting any new treatment or questions regarding a medical condition, always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider.

StrideCare serves North Texas and South Texas communities, including Austin, Round Rock, Bastrop, Brushy Creek, Cedar Park, Converse, Georgetown, Hutto, Kyle, Leander, Marble Falls, New Braunfels, Pasadena, Pearland, Pflugerville, San Marcos, Schertz, Bay City, Universal City, Spring, Kingwood, Stafford, Conroe, Texas City, Cypress, League City, Bellaire, Dallas, Mesquite, Addison, Arlington, Plano, McKinney, Craig Ranch, Prosper, Flower Mound, Euless, Southlake, South Dallas, Sherman, Irving, Garland, Carrollton, Rowlett, Coppell, Forney, Rockwall, Houston, Sugar Land, Katy, Webster, Clear Lake, The Woodlands, Lake Jackson, San Antonio, Stone Oak, and more.

*Patient names and/or photos may be changed to protect patient confidentiality.