If you are living with knee osteoarthritis, it’s important to understand that this disease is progressive. And, as the disease advances, symptoms will worsen and mobility in your joints may be compromised. But what are the stages of knee osteoarthritis? And how can you find relief from painful symptoms? Here’s what you need to know!

What is Knee Osteoarthritis?

Knee osteoarthritis is a disease that can affect your joint function and mobility. As we mentioned above, the disease is progressive and has no cure. However, there are stages of disease. And if you intervene before mobility is compromised, you may be able to stay active and delay or prevent further progression.

Stage 0: A Healthy Knee

If you show no symptoms of knee osteoarthritis, and there is no evidence of joint damage, your disease is classified as Stage 0. At this point, no treatment or intervention is recommended.

Minor Knee Osteoarthritis Pain: Stage 1

At this stage, your knee joints may show minor signs of wear and tear. You may also have slight growths of bone spurs on your joints, but you’re unlikely to experience pain. Still, if you have risk factors for arthritis, engaging in exercises for knee health could help prevent progression into stage two.

Stage 2

Here, we will notice more signs of bone spur growth when we x-ray your knee joints. Typically, the spaces between your joints will still appear normal, however, patients with stage 2 knee osteoarthritis are likely to experience symptoms such as joint pain and stiffness, especially after exercising, sitting for extended periods, or when you first wake up in the morning. Stage 2 patients may also start to experience cartilage break down. For some patients, progression and pain may be managed with lifestyle measures, including wearing braces or supports and focusing on strength training and exercise. However, some people will need additional interventions to find relief.

Moderate Knee Osteoarthritis: Stage 3

At this point, we will detect obvious cartilage erosion between your bones; the gap between bones will also have narrowed. At this point, inflammation in your joints will leave you experiencing frequent pain and stiffness. You may also notice that your knee makes a popping noise when you walk. Some stage 3 patients can manage their pain with medications. But, again, additional interventions may be necessary.

Stage 4

This is a severe stage of knee osteoarthritis—at this point of disease progression, your joint will be stiff because the cartilage has worn down significantly, leaving very little space between bones. Your synovial fluid that lines your knee joint will also decrease, so that you experience pain and friction when you try to move your joint. At stage 4, doing something as simple as trying to walk down the stairs could cause excruciating pain. As such, patients who reach this stage of disease progression are often forced to seek surgical treatments in order to relieve their discomfort. However, if you choose to seek help for knee osteoarthritis when you are still in stage two or three, the experts at the Texas Knee Institute can help relieve your pain with a non-surgical medical procedure.

Genicular Artery Embolization for Stage 2 and 3 Knee Osteoarthritis Relief

Genicular artery embolization (GAE) is a non-surgical procedure that can slow knee osteoarthritis progression. Recommended for stage 2 and 3 osteoarthritis patients who have not found relief from other, non-surgical interventions, it diminishes blood flow to the lining of your knee, reducing pain, inflammation and other symptoms. After undergoing GAE, you should be able to walk within two to three hours. Most patients will return to normal activities the day after the procedure, with symptom reduction becoming apparent within weeks of the procedure.

Ready to find relief for your arthritis symptoms, without the need for surgery? We’re here to help. Click here to request an appointment Click here to request an appointment Click here to request an appointment  at the Texas Knee Institute.

Can non-surgical treatment for knee pain relieve the discomfort of osteoarthritis? Many people suffer from the discomfort of osteoarthritis of the knee. And they want relief, but they would prefer to avoid surgery. Or, their bodies can't tolerate such an invasive surgery. But how effective can the relief be if you avoid total knee replacement? Here's what you need to know.

Effectiveness of Non-Surgical Treatment for Knee Pain

In the past, non-surgical treatment options for osteoarthritis pain involved management with lifestyle changes and medication. And, while these methods were effective for those with mild to moderate arthritis pain, those with more serious conditions would need to explore surgery for relief, or choose to live with the pain, stiffness and limits on mobility.

Today, however, there are minimally invasive procedures such as Genicular Artery Embolization for knee osteoarthritis relief. And, according to new research presented at the Society of Interventional Radiology's annual meeting, the procedure delivers significant pain reduction for those with knee pain caused by osteoarthritis. Moreover, the first-of-its-kind study revealed that the procedure is particularly effective for adults aged 50 and older.

In revealing these results, Dr. Kaitlin Carrato of MedStar Georgetown University Hospital said, "We know this treatment has clear benefits in reducing pain and improving the ability to do everyday activities for patients. But now that we know it's particularly helpful for those over 50 years old, it may mean that those with chronic pain conditions, like arthritis, would benefit more from this treatment than patients suffering acute pain, such as an injury."

Ready to explore non-surgical treatment for knee pain? Want to relieve the discomfort of osteoarthritis without overnight hospital stays or a total knee replacement? We're ready to answer all your questions and review your candidacy for the GAE procedure. Simply click here to request an appointmentclick here to request an appointmentclick here to request an appointment.

Walking backward is a hot new fitness trend. Experts say that it helps reduce your risk for running injuries while mixing up your training routine. But can it help prevent or relieve the knee pain of osteoarthritis? here's what you need to know!

Walking Backward and Osteoarthritis Pain

When you're living with osteoarthritis knee pain, you may experience symptoms such pain, stiffness, swelling and limits on your range of motion. Now, many people will seek a medical procedure to relieve the discomfort of these symptoms. And, certainly, an intervention like Genicular Artery Embolization can relieve arthritis pain without the need for invasive knee replacement.

However, for those who are looking to manage their condition with lifestyle measures, walking backward may offer some important benefits, according to the experts. Why is that the case? When you walk backward, you use different muscles than when you propel yourself forward. Immediately, that can relieve some of the pressure on your sore, swollen joints.

Moreover, when you walk backward, you give more engagement to the quad muscles. This can stretch out the knee muscles, once again alleviating pain and also improving mobility. Finally, backward walking involves more thinking than moving forward, and this can help with balance and brain engagement as you age. Of course, this form of exercise can also come with a higher risk of tripping and falling. So you should practice the movement indoors, at a slow pace, and supervised by a friend or loved one to reduce your hazard risk.

When Walking Backward Doesn't Provide Enough Relief

If you're suffering from mild to moderate knee arthritis, lifestyle measures may provide sufficient pain relief. But if your condition is more severe, and you want relief without surgery, we encourage you to explore genicular artery embolization in Texas. Click here to request an appointmentClick here to request an appointmentClick here to request an appointment!

When you have knee pain due to arthritis, your doctor may suggest trying osteoarthritis knee exercises. While there is no cure for arthritis, regular exercise can help manage stiffness and preserve mobility. However, for more lasting relief, you may need to seek medical intervention.

What are the best osteoarthritis knee exercises?

While exercise can't cure arthritis, it can help you build strength, move with greater ease and relieve pain. Regular exercise can also help you maintain a healthy weight, improve your balance and even sleep better at night. Now, before starting a new exercise routine, make sure to clear your proposed activities with a doctor. Then, consider trying some or all of these osteoarthritis knee exercises:

• Daily stretching
• Weight-bearing activities with resistance bands, hand weights or weighted machines, ideally performed every other day
• Moderate, joint-friendly cardiovascular exercises such as swimming, walking or biking
• Yoga or tai chi routines that can help improve balance and posture while reducing tension

Tips for exercising with osteoarthritis of the knee

When you are beginning a new exercise routine and dealing with the pain of osteoarthritis in your knee, start slow and listen to your body. If working out with a trainer or taking a group fitness class, make sure to inform the instructor about your arthritis. And always listen to your body: stop and rest if any exercise causes you pain.

Additionally, any osteoarthritis knee exercises should be low impact. Before exercising, apply 20 minutes of gentle heat (warm towels or a warm shower both work) to your affected joints. And, after completing a workout, ice your joints for up to 20 minutes to address any possible swelling.

Non-surgical relief for knee osteoarthritis

If you're hoping to manage your pain with osteoarthritis knee exercises, you'd probably like to avoid surgery. And, even when lifestyle measures fail to manage your arthritis-related knee pain, you can find meaningful relief with Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) in Texas.

This minimally invasive procedure relieves pain and inflammation and helps you delay or avoid knee replacement surgery. Performed by our interventional radiologists in Houston and Dallas, GAE may also help prevent disease progression for arthritis patients. Ready to see if you're a candidate for GAE? Click here to request an appointmentClick here to request an appointmentClick here to request an appointment today!

What's the best way to treat arthritis in knee? While there are many ways to relieve knee pain due to arthritis, one option is emerging as optimal because it is a lasting, non-surgical treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee. Called genicular artery embolization, or GAE, it's a minimally invasive procedure that reduces arthritis-related knee pain by reducing blood flow to the inflamed lining of the knee. But how does it work, who's a candidate, and why is it a great alternative to knee surgery? Here's what you need to know!

Best Way to Treat Arthritis in Knee: What are the Options?

Remember, knee osteoarthritis is a progressive, degenerative condition. As such, you need to seek some kind of treatment, or you'll experience disease progression and worsening symptoms. Now, some patients can treat arthritis in the knee simply by maintaining an optimal weight, engaging in regular exercise and following a heart-healthy diet. However, many patients will still experience pain, stiffness and other disruptive symptoms unless they seek medical intervention.

Until recently, the main treatment option involved surgical knee replacement. But many people want knee pain relief without surgery, while others can not tolerate surgical interventions. In the past, that meant they were forced to suffer from arthritis pain without relief. Today, though, they can choose to undergo GAE, an alternative knee replacement that is the best way to treat arthritis in the knee without surgery.

What is GAE?

GAE is a surgical alternative for relieving symptomatic osteoarthritis of the knee. During this procedure, our interventional radiologists insert a small catheter into your femoral artery, usually via a small puncture made in the area of your groin. We'll then guide the catheter to your genicular arteries, assisted by advanced X-ray imaging. Once the catheter reaches its target, we'll deposit tiny coils into the arteries, thereby decreasing and reducing osteoarthritis knee pain and inflammation.

Now, not everyone is a candidate for genicular artery embolization. But many have found that this is the best way to treat arthritis in knee without surgery. Ready to see if this is your best pathway to relief? Click here to request an appointmentClick here to request an appointmentClick here to request an appointment!

If you've been suffering with osteoarthritis of the knee, but want less invasive pain relief, you may be searching for knee replacement alternatives. Thankfully, due to advancements in the medical field, there are many ways to relieve your pain without surgery. Here are the procedures your need to know about.

Knee replacement alternatives: genicular artery embolization (GAE)

GAE is one of newest treatment options if you're seeking non-surgical knee replacement alternatives. Performed by our Interventional Radiologists at the Texas Knee Institute, this procedure works by restricting blood flow to the inflamed lining of your affected knee(s). Afterward, inflammation reduces, reducing or eliminating your knee pain. In fact, this 2020 study revealed that the procedure effectively reduces moderate to severe knee pain caused by osteoarthritis. Plus, by choosing to undergo GAE, you may prevent arthritis progression and help preserve your mobility.

Injections to Relieve Osteoarthritis Knee Pain

Other knee replacement alternatives involve injections to your affected joint area. Some physicians recommend injecting hyaluronic acid to your inflamed knee joint, in order to reduce pain by lubricating the area and offering additional shock absorption. However, due to limited research on its effectiveness, the Arthritis Foundation does not currently endorse this treatment option.

Another option making headlines is dextrose solution injections for osteoarthritis knee pain. Touted as a form of regenerative medicine due to its potential to reduce pain and stiffness by directing healing blood flow to your knee, this option also lacks research on its effectiveness. As such, it is also not endorsed by the Arthritis Foundation.

Finally, for patients with mild to moderate arthritis knee pain, Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections may relieve pain and improve mobility for up to one year. The treatment works by injecting the platelet-rich portion of your own blood into your affected knee, helping promote healing and healthy new cell growth. While patient reported results are positive, we still lack scientific research into the safety and efficacy of this knee replacement alternative.

Scientifically Backed Knee Replacement Alternatives

Want to relieve arthritis knee pain without surgery? But looking for knee replacement alternatives who's efficacy can be proven by science? Click here to request an appointmentClick here to request an appointmentClick here to request an appointment at the Texas Knee Institute to see if you're a candidate for GAE!

As one of the hottest sports among older adults, many athletes are finding it harder to get into matches because of pickleball knee pain. Now, this game is supposed to be gentler on your joints than sports like tennis or running. But if you have osteoarthritis in your knees, staying active on the court can be a real challenge. And that's where GAE, or genicular artery embolization, can help!

What Causes Pickleball Knee Pain?

According to Paddletek, there are 36.5 million pickleball players in the US. And, of those players, more than 50% are over the age of 55, while more than 30% are 65 and older. Now, staying active at that age can certainly increase your risk for certain knee injuries, including muscle and ligament strains. (Your risk will increase dramatically if you already have limited mobility in your joints.)

Stretching before and after a game; wearing supportive foot gear; and listening to your body can help avoid sport-related injury. But if your pickleball knee pain is due to osteoarthritis, you may find relief from a different source: the GAE alternative knee replacement procedure.

That was true for 80-year-old Patrick Shruben, who recently discussed his 2021 GAE knee procedure with UCLA Health. The avid athlete wanted relief from pickleball knee pain, but “did not want to sit in pain for months after surgery.” So, after some research, he underwent GAE, and says, "My treatment was pretty amazing. I walked without knee pain the next day.”

Even better? For those wondering about the efficacy of GAE relief,  Shruben is still going strong, two years after his procedure. Today, he says, “Here I am at 80, and I’m doing things my own children can’t do.”

GAE Knee Procedure at the Texas Knee Institute

Ready to put pickleball knee pain in your rearview mirror? Want to relieve osteoarthritis knee pain without surgery? Click here to request an appointmentClick here to request an appointmentClick here to request an appointment. When you come into the office, we'll review your candidacy for GAE and make personalized treatment recommendations.

If you want relief from the chronic pain and swelling of osteoarthritis without surgery, you may be seeking an alternative knee replacement. After all, some people aren't good candidates for surgery. And others may prefer to delay a knee replacement, since artificial knees are unlikely to last longer than 20 years.

Now, it's important to remember that arthritis can't be cured. But you can relieve pain and swelling, and preserve your mobility, often without surgery. Here's what you need to know.

Home Remedies for Arthritis Knee Pain

Certain lifestyle measures can help relieve knee pain due to osteoarthritis as an alternative knee replacement. First, consider losing weight, as this will relieve some of the stress and pressure on your knee joints. This can also help delay the destruction of cartilage in your knee.

Engaging in low impact exercise, such as swimming or walking on a treadmill, can help you maintain mobility and limit stiffness. And, for many people, over-the-counter medications, including NSAIDs (nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatories) can help manage pain and inflammation, as long as your doctor clears you to use this category of medication.

Alternative Knee Replacement Treatments

Several medical interventions can temporarily relieve osteoarthritis knee pain while still allowing you to avoid surgery. Some patients will benefit from shots of cortisone or hyaluronic acid, because they can relieve inflammation and improve joint lubrication. The effects of these injections typically last a few months.

However for relief that lasts a year or more, patients may prefer to schedule genicular artery embolization, or GAE, an alternative knee replacement that relieves osteoarthritis related knee pain by reducing blood flow to the knee joint. This relieves pain and inflammation, and can even slow disease progression, helping you avoid or delay knee replacement surgery.

Ready to see if GAE is the right option to relieve your knee pain? If you have moderate to severe osteoarthritis knee pain, are between the ages of 40 and 80, and haven't found relief from conservative arthritis treatments, you may be a GAE candidate. Click here to request an appointmentClick here to request an appointmentClick here to request an appointment with the Texas Knee Institute, so we can discuss your options!

Our specialists at the Texas Knee Institue relieve the pain of knee osteoarthritis by performing genicular artery embolization (GAE). This is a minimally invasive procedure that reduces pain while improving mobility; it works by blocking blood flow to your knee's synovial lining in order to target inflammation. Now, this treatment has been helpful to patients with moderate to severe arthritis pain who can't or don't want to undergo knee replacement surgery. But they do want to know about the genicular artery embolization recovery period. And here are all the important details.

Genicular Artery Embolization Recovery Immediately after the Procedure

A typical GAE procedure lasts between 1 and 2 hours. Aferward, we'll keep you under brief observation, and you should be able to walk--and go home--on that same day.

The next day, you'll be allowed to resume light activities. Within three days of the procedure, you can resume full activity levels, avoiding long stair climbs or heavy lifting. By two weeks post-procedure, the recovery should be complete and you can enjoy the full benefits of the GAE procedure.

How Long Does it Take to Recover From GAE?

Following GAE, you should only notice mild side effects, such as light bruising or minor skin changes. Within two weeks, your recovery should be complete. At that point, you'll notice:

• Less swelling and knee pain
• Reduced stiffness
• Improvements in functionality and mobility

Clearly, following genicular artery embolization recovery, patients experience noticeable osteoarthritis knee pain relief, with results lasting for up to a full year. We therefore recommend this treatment for patients suffering from moderate to severe arthritis pain, who can't or prefer not to undergo a complete knee replacement surgery. Ready to see if GAE is your pathway to arthritis relief? Click here to request an appointmentClick here to request an appointmentClick here to request an appointment with our knee specialists in Texas!

If you have developed arthritis in the knee, you may be seeking treatment for arthritis knee pain. But what is arthritis, why does it cause pain and what are your treatment options? Keep reading to find out.

What is arthritis of the knee?

Arthritis is a term that describes swelling and tenderness in one or more of your joints. If you have arthritis of the knee, joints in one or both knees may be affected, leading to additional symptoms such as pain and stiffness. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of the disease to impact your knee joints. And, while the disease is progressive and has no cure, there are treatments available to help relieve your pain.

Treatment for Arthritis Knee Pain

When you have arthritis in one or both knees, it’s important to seek early intervention. With prompt treatment, you can maintain mobility, manage pain and delay or prevent disease progression.

For some people, pain can be relieved with heating pads and over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatories. Physical therapy and regular exercise can help preserve your mobility. But, when those treatments fail to fully offer relief, and you aren’t ready for surgery, aren’t a surgical candidate, or simply wish to delay this invasive treatment option, it’s time to explore genicular artery embolization (GAE), an alternative to surgical treatment for arthritis knee pain.

What is GAE?

GAE is a non-surgical procedure that slows osteoarthritis progression in your knee. Because it is minimally invasive, and lasts just about two hours, this treatment won’t require hospitalization or general anesthesia.

During the procedure, we’ll administer an anesthetic through a small puncture in your groin. Then, we’ll use that access point to insert a thin catheter into your femoral artery, guiding it to your knee’s genicular artery with the help of X-ray imaging. 

Once the genicular arteries are in sight, we release small embolic materials into your vessels, limiting blood flow to the lining of your knee and reducing pain, inflammation and other symptoms of knee arthritis. Finally, we extract your catheter, cover your puncture site with a sanitized bandage, and send you home a few hours later, when you’re able to walk. The day after choosing this treatment for arthritis knee pain, you’ll be able to resume your normal activities. And, within weeks, you should experience noticeable arthritis symptom relief.

Choosing GAE for Treatment of Arthritis Knee Pain in Texas

Ready to see if you’re a candidate for GAE in Houston or Dallas? This may be your ideal treatment if you

• Have a formal knee osteoarthritis diagnosis
• Are living with moderate to severe knee pain and stiffness
• Haven’t found relief through medications or conservative treatment options
• Are between the ages of 40 and 80, in generally good health

Do you meet these criteria and are ready to find your pathway to relief? Click here to request an appointmentClick here to request an appointmentClick here to request an appointment with our experts at the Texas Knee Institute.