How a Vascular and Interventional Radiologist Approaches Knee Arthritis Treatment

Arthritis in the knees can make walking, climbing stairs, exercising, and daily activities feel more difficult than they should. Fortunately, knee arthritis treatment can help relieve pain and restore mobility to the joint. When physical therapy and injections do not provide relief, a vascular and interventional radiologist can evaluate whether an image-guided procedure, such as genicular artery embolization, may be the solution.

Understanding knee arthritis

Arthritis is a condition that develops when the knee or other joint becomes irritated, inflamed, or worn down over time. Osteoarthritis is the most common form and occurs when the protective cartilage in a joint gradually breaks down. As the joint changes, pain, stiffness, swelling, grinding, and difficulty staying active are common. These symptoms can come and go at first; however, they tend to become more consistent as arthritis progresses.

Knee arthritis does not affect every patient the same way. Some people feel pain mainly after activity, while others struggle with stiffness after sitting or discomfort that limits normal routines. An evaluation helps determine the extent of arthritis, where the pain is located, and which treatment options may be appropriate. A vascular and interventional radiologist can help when symptoms are associated with abnormal inflammation and increased blood flow around the arthritic knee.

When first-line knee arthritis treatments are not enough

Most patients begin knee arthritis treatment with nonsurgical care, such as physical therapy, bracing, anti-inflammatory medication, or injections. Unfortunately, these approaches do not always provide enough relief. Many patients still have pain that limits walking, sleep, work, or hobbies. Still, they may not be ready for a major operation like knee replacement surgery. The good news is that minimally invasive vascular care can be another option.

Vascular care for knee arthritis

A vascular and interventional radiologist specializes in image-guided procedures that treat vascular conditions through tiny access points rather than large incisions. This medical provider uses imaging to see blood vessels and guide treatment with precision. The focus in treating knee arthritis is often on the small blood vessels around the knee, called the genicular arteries.

Genicular artery embolization as a knee arthritis treatment

Genicular artery embolization, also known as GAE, is a minimally invasive procedure designed to reduce abnormal blood flow associated with inflammation in knee osteoarthritis. During the procedure, the provider inserts a small catheter through an artery, typically through a tiny access point in the groin or wrist. Imaging guides the catheter toward the small arteries supplying the inflamed areas of the knee.

Once the target area is reached, tiny particles are placed into selected abnormal vessels to reduce excess blood flow. The goal is to decrease inflammation and pain while preserving normal circulation. Note that GAE does not remove arthritis or rebuild cartilage, but it has helped reduce symptoms for patients whose pain is driven in part by inflammation.

Explore vascular knee arthritis treatment

Has knee arthritis affected your quality of life? A vascular and interventional radiologist can evaluate whether genicular artery embolization may help. One of the main advantages of GAE is that it does not require joint replacement or a large incision. That can appeal to patients who want to delay surgery, avoid a long recovery, or explore additional options after conservative care has not provided enough relief. Contact ProVascularMD today for more information.

Request an appointment here: https://montclair.provascularmd.com or call ProVascularMD at (909) 235-7742 for an appointment in our Montclair office.

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