Osteoarthritis Treatment:
Relieve Knee Pain with Genicular Artery Embolization

What is Osteoarthritis of Knee Joint?

Cartilage is the cushioning between the bones of joints. When this cartilage erodes, the bones rub more closely against one another with less shock absorption. This causes pain, swelling, stiffness, reduced mobility, and sometimes bone spurs.

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis of Knee Joint:

Morning stiffness in the joint
Knee pain increasing with activity and reducing with rest
Reduced mobility, making it difficult to sit, stand, use stairs, or walk

Treatment for Osteoarthritis of Knee:
Genicular Artery Embolization

Osteoarthritis treatment has always been limited between physiotherapy and joint replacement surgery. Now, there’s a minimally-invasive alternative called Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE).

Genicular Artery Embolization is a breakthrough procedure that provides immediate and long-term relief for patients with knee pain due to osteoarthritis. By reducing blood flow to the synovium (the lining of the knee), this treatment alleviates pain without surgery. It is performed by an Interventional Radiologist (IR), a physician trained in imaging-guided procedures.

Indications for Genicular Artery Embolization

Knee pain lasting more than 3 months, unresponsive to physiotherapy
Spontaneous or night-time pain, suggesting abnormal blood vessel growth
Pain during stair climbing
Patients unwilling or unfit for joint replacement surgery
Suitable for younger patients or very elderly patients where surgery carries risks

Are You a Candidate for GAE?

Genicular Artery Embolization is ideal for those with moderate to severe knee pain caused by osteoarthritis who haven’t improved with medications or injections. It’s also a strong option for those who don’t want or can’t undergo knee replacement surgery.

Good candidates include:

Age 40–80 years
Confirmed osteoarthritis on X-ray (without deformity)
Failed conservative treatments like NSAIDs or injections

Not suitable for:

Smokers or those with advanced arthritis (Grade IV)
Patients with infection, malignancy, or who qualify for knee replacement surgery

Why Genicular Artery Embolization is Done

The procedure works by blocking abnormal blood vessels that worsen inflammation in the knee. This reduces pain associated with osteoarthritis. While it doesn’t restore cartilage, clinical studies have shown a dramatic reduction in pain levels. According to the Society of Interventional Radiology (2021), average pain scores decreased from 8/10 to 3/10 within a week after Genicular Artery Embolization.

How is GAE Performed?

GAE is a non-surgical outpatient procedure, usually completed in one to two hours. With moderate sedation, the doctor inserts a catheter in the upper thigh and guides it to the knee arteries using X-ray imaging. Tiny particles are released, blocking excess blood flow and reducing inflammation.

What Happens After the Procedure?

Most patients return home the same day. Within two weeks, pain relief is often noticeable as knee inflammation subsides. Unlike joint replacement surgery, recovery is quick, and patients resume daily activities much sooner.

Book Your Consultation Today

If you’re struggling with persistent knee pain from Osteoarthritis of Knee Joint, consider exploring Genicular Artery Embolization as a modern osteoarthritis treatment option. It bridges the gap between conservative therapy and surgery, offering long-lasting pain relief without the risks of invasive procedures.

Call now or use our website form to schedule your consultation.

FAQ

1. Which treatment is best for knee osteoarthritis?

The best treatment for knee osteoarthritis depends on severity. Mild cases respond to physiotherapy, medications, and lifestyle changes. Advanced cases may need injections or surgery. A minimally-invasive alternative, Genicular Artery Embolization, offers effective pain relief without major surgery.

2. What are the 4 stages of osteoarthritis of the knee?

The four stages include: Stage 1 – minor wear with little pain, Stage 2 – mild cartilage damage, Stage 3 – moderate cartilage loss with discomfort, and Stage 4 – severe cartilage erosion, causing intense pain and restricted movement.

3.What exercise is best for knee osteoarthritis?

Low-impact exercises are best, such as swimming, cycling, and walking. Strengthening routines for thigh and hip muscles, plus stretching, also reduce pain. Avoid high-impact workouts. Always consult a physiotherapist before starting a new exercise program for osteoarthritis.

4. What are 5 symptoms of osteoarthritis?

Common symptoms include knee pain during activity, stiffness (especially morning stiffness), swelling around the joint, decreased mobility such as difficulty climbing stairs, and grinding or popping sensations caused by cartilage breakdown in the knee joint.

Osteoarthritis Treatment: Relieve Knee Pain with Genicular Artery Embolization