At Vascular and Interventional Partners (VIP), we understand that living with arthritis pain can be a daily challenge. Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knees, particularly, can cause constant pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility, significantly impacting your quality of life.
Traditional treatments like medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes are often the first lines of defense against arthritis pain. However, for many, these methods may not provide sufficient relief.
Fortunately, advancements in medical technology have introduced minimally invasive procedures that offer significant pain relief without the need for major surgery. One such procedure is Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE).
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, typically found in the knees, hips, hands, or spine. It occurs when the cartilage that cushions the ends of bones in the joint gradually deteriorates. As this cartilage wears down, the bones begin to rub against each other, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness.
Factors such as aging, injury, obesity, and genetic predisposition increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis in your knees and other joints.
Symptoms of OA in the knee include pain that worsens with activity, stiffness after periods of inactivity, swelling, and a grinding sensation during movement. While there is no cure for this condition, there are many different treatments available that aim to manage symptoms and improve joint function.
Traditional non-surgical treatments for knee OA include:
While these methods can be effective, they may not work for everyone, especially in cases of severe arthritis. For those who do not find enough relief through traditional treatments, minimally invasive procedures like Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) provide a promising alternative.
Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) is a cutting-edge, minimally invasive procedure designed to treat chronic knee pain caused by osteoarthritis. GAE targets the genicular arteries, which supply blood to the knee. By reducing blood flow to the inflamed areas of the joint, this procedure helps decrease inflammation and alleviate pain.
During the procedure, an interventional radiologist inserts a catheter into a blood vessel, typically in the groin area. Using imaging guidance, the catheter is navigated to the genicular arteries. Tiny particles are then injected into these arteries to block blood flow, effectively reducing inflammation and pain in the knee.
The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, usually under local anesthesia, and takes about one to two hours on average.
GAE offers several advantages over traditional surgical options:
At VIP, we specialize in minimally invasive treatments like GAE. Our team of skilled interventional radiologists uses state-of-the-art imaging and techniques to provide effective pain relief and improve the quality of life for our patients suffering from knee osteoarthritis.
Patients who have undergone GAE at VIP report significant improvements in pain and mobility. We are dedicated to offering personalized care and ensuring that each patient receives the most appropriate treatment for their condition.
If you're struggling with knee osteoarthritis and traditional treatments haven't provided relief, take the quiz to find out if you're a good candidate for GAE.
For those struggling with the debilitating effects of knee osteoarthritis, Genicular Artery Embolization represents a promising alternative to traditional surgical interventions. As a minimally invasive procedure, GAE offers significant pain relief, quick recovery, and improved joint function without the need for major surgery.
If you are considering your options for arthritis pain relief, consult with a specialist to determine if GAE is right for you. By exploring innovative treatments like this one, you can find new hope in managing your arthritis pain and reclaiming your quality of life.
Take the quiz today to discover if GAE is the right solution for you - just click here!