Alternatives to Genicular Artery Embolization

Alternative Knee Pain Treatment Options

If you aren’t a candidate for genicular artery embolization, other non-surgical options might prove effective for moderate knee pain management.

Medications

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce knee pain and inflammation. In some cases, more potent prescription medications may be recommended to manage more severe pain.

Among the various medications available, two commonly recommended over-the-counter NSAIDs have shown efficacy in alleviating pain and reducing inflammation associated with knee osteoarthritis.

• Ibuprofen (Brand names: Advil and Motrin)
• Naproxen (Brand name: Aleve)

As with any medication, talking with a healthcare professional to establish the appropriate dosage is crucial.

Heat and Cold Therapy

Heat and cold therapy can be valuable tools in managing osteoarthritis knee pain. By understanding when and how to use these therapies effectively, you can find relief and improve your quality of life.

Heat Therapy

Heat therapy is recommended in the following situations:

• When you experience stiffness and muscle tension in the knee.
• Before engaging in activities that require increased joint mobility.
• When you want to relax the knee muscles and improve flexibility.

Cold Therapy

Cold therapy is recommended in the following situations:

• When you experience acute pain or swelling in the knee joint.
• After activities that may have caused increased inflammation.
• When you want to numb the area and reduce pain sensations.

Injections

Corticosteroid injections offer temporary symptom reduction by lowering inflammation and alleviating pain. Another option is hyaluronic acid injections, which can help lubricate the knee joint and improve mobility.

Weight Management

Maintaining a healthy weight lowers stress on the knee joints. Losing excess weight can significantly alleviate knee pain and delay surgery.

Exercise

The best exercises for osteoarthritis knee pain are low-impact activities that help to strengthen the surrounding muscles, improve flexibility, and reduce pain. These exercises are easy on the joints and can be safely undertaken by people of all fitness levels. Here are some of the most effective exercises for managing osteoarthritis knee pain:

• Cycling
• Hamstring stretches
• Quadricep strengthening exercises
• Swimming
• Tai Chi
• Yoga
• Walking

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy involves specific exercises and techniques to strengthen the muscles surrounding the knee joint, increase flexibility, and improve overall function. A physical therapist can design a treatment program to address specific knee issues and help manage pain.

It is important to note that the above treatment options might not be appropriate for every patient. A healthcare professional should be consulted to find the most suitable alternative to knee replacement surgery.

Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)

Patients seeking a non-surgical solution should consider genicular artery embolization (GAE), a next-generation, non-surgical alternative to knee replacement surgery. GAE provides a viable option for those seeking to alleviate knee pain and improve their quality of life.

• Minimally Invasive Procedure. One of the key advantages of GAE is that it is a non-surgical procedure, unlike knee replacement, which involves significant incisions and removal of damaged joint tissues.
• Preserves Natural Knee Anatomy. Preserving the natural knee anatomy can have long-term benefits, such as maintaining joint stability and reducing the risk of complications associated with artificial implants.
• Lower Risk of Complications. GAE offers a lower risk profile compared to knee replacement surgery. The minimally invasive nature of GAE reduces the chances of infection, blood loss, and other surgical complications.
• Improved Pain Relief. Patients who undergo GAE can experience a noticeable improvement in their quality of life through enhanced mobility and reduced reliance on pain medications.
• Cost-Effectiveness. Knee replacement surgery is a costly procedure that involves hospital stays, rehabilitation, and potential follow-up surgeries. In contrast, GAE is a cost-effective alternative. The minimally invasive nature of GAE reduces hospitalization time and associated costs.

Texas Knee Institute: Innovative Treatment for Debilitating Knee Pain

If you are living with knee pain from osteoarthritis, it is essential to explore all available treatments to discover the one that best suits your needs. Genicular artery embolization (GAE) offers significant symptom relief and can potentially improve your quality of life greatly.

Contact the specialists at Texas Knee Institute to schedule an evaluation todayschedule an evaluation todayschedule an evaluation today.