Living with Osteoarthritis Knee Pain? Genicular Artery Embolization Can Help
Author: StrideCare Internal Team
Jeanette* has been suffering from chronic knee pain for years. She finally went to her doctor and was diagnosed with osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease that isn’t life-threatening but has made life uncomfortable for over 32.5 million U.S. adults. First, she took advantage of several initial treatment methods, including steroid injections and physical therapy, yet nothing has worked. She is still living day-to-day, suffering from osteoarthritis knee pain. She’s been told she is a candidate for total knee replacement, but surgery is the last thing she wants.
For many osteoarthritis knee patients like Jeanette, seeing their treatment options dwindle by the day can be devastating—especially when all they can think about is the pain that’s keeping them from enjoying life. Genicular artery embolization, a groundbreaking treatment offered by our team of experts at Stridecare, is finally giving those individuals hope that an answer to their issue exists.
Why Osteoarthritis Knee Pain Patients Must Consider Every Option
Osteoarthritis (OA) is commonly referred to as “wear and tear” arthritis because it develops in joints, most commonly hands, hips, and knees, slowly over time due to injury, illness, and overuse. The knee is of particular concern because people use their knees for everything—running, walking, jumping, bending, sitting, and standing. While these seem like simple tasks for such a large joint to handle, what many people don’t realize is that forces transmitted across the knee joint during normal walking range between 2 and 3 times a person’s body weight.
If a person weighs 200 pounds, the knee is supporting two to three times that weight. Additional weight increases the pressure and force that the knee supports. This places a considerable amount of strain on the joint itself. It also tests the limits of the cartilage, which is the strong and flexible connective tissue that acts as a shock absorber and prevents the bones and joints in the knee from rubbing together. Other risk factors for OA include:
- Age — Osteoarthritis can affect anyone at any age, but it is most common in people over 50.
- Gender — Osteoarthritis is more common in women.
- Genetics — It is possible to inherit an increased risk of developing osteoarthritis.
- Injuries and repeated stress — Injuries from sports or jobs that continually place added pressure on our knees lead to normal wear and tear that can become osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis knee pain symptoms vary from person to person, but a few of the telltale symptoms include:
- 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 in a patient’s best interest for every option to be considered when it comes to osteoarthritis knee pain. Options include: prescription medication, knee injections, physical therapy, braces and splints, activity modification, and weight loss. Unfortunately, some options don’t always work for everyone. When these tactics don’t work, genicular artery embolization can help eliminate pain and avoid invasive surgical options.
How Does Genicular Artery Embolization Work?
Studies consistently show that persistent osteoarthritis knee pain may be the result of undiagnosed inflammation in the lining of the knee, called synovium. Genicular artery embolization (GAE) is a minimally invasive alternative treatment that simply cuts off blood supply to the arteries in this area of the knee. As a result, inflammation is reduced, and the patient experiences pain relief quickly.
It’s important to note that genicular artery embolization does not cure osteoarthritis or treat underlying cartilage damage, but it does provide patients with long-lasting relief from their symptoms. The GAE procedure can only be performed by vascular and vein specialists trained to treat arterial diseases and other vascular health challenges without surgery. The good news is that the treatment is painless and takes roughly only 45-60 minutes to complete. It is an outpatient procedure and patients can go home within 1-2 hours after GAE.
No incisions. No hospital stays. No painful side effects or downtime.
According to one study of 40 subjects over a 10-month period, 100% of those who took part saw dramatic benefits. Another study stated that success has been described to reach 84%–100% of patients.
Here’s how GAE works:
Patients are given medicine to help them feel sleepy and comfortable during the procedure.
A small catheter is inserted into the artery in the patient’s upper thigh or ankle. Using X-ray guidance, the arteries receiving blood flow nearest the patient’s pain sight are located.
With the catheter in position, small particles or agents are injected into the arteries to close them off and stop blood supply to the affected area. This process is 100% painless.
The result is a quick, significant reduction in inflammation and related symptoms.
StrideCare Supports Osteoarthritis Knee Pain Patients with GAE
It’s important to recognize osteoarthritis knee pain early and seek help from a medical professional who can guide you on your next steps. Sometimes, physical therapy and a little rest might be the solution in minor osteoarthritis situations. More often than not, additional intervention is necessary.
For those who are worried if they will have to go through a total knee replacement, there is another solution. Genicular artery embolization is a game-changer when it comes to erasing inflammation in the knee and dramatically reducing the pain associated with OA.
Prior to starting any new treatment or questions regarding a medical condition, always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
StrideCare serves the South Texas area including Houston, San Antonio, Austin, Round Rock, Bastrop, Brushy Creek, Cedar Park, Converse, Georgetown, Hutto, Kyle, Leander, Marble Falls, New Braunfels, Pasadena, Pearland, Pflugerville, San Marcos, Schertz, Houston, Sugar Land, Katy, Webster, Bay City, Clear Lake, Lake Jackson, The Woodlands, Universal City, Spring, Kingwood, Stafford, Conroe, Texas City, Cypress, League City, Bellaire, and more.
*Patient stories are true. Names and/or photos may be changed to protect patient confidentiality.
