Knee pain can develop for many reasons, but in chronic cases, inflammation of the knee's small arteries plays a key role. Common causes and contributing factors include:
Chronic Knee Pain Treatment in Atlanta
Genicular Artery Embolization: Avoid Knee Surgery and Get Lasting Relief
What is Chronic Knee Pain?
Chronic knee pain is persistent discomfort or knee stiffness lasting more than three months in one or both knees (bilateral knee pain). It typically results from knee arthritis, knee inflammation, or injury, and often worsens with age or repetitive activity.
At Advanced Vascular & Vein, our board-certified interventional radiologists offer Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE), a revolutionary alternative to knee surgery that provides knee pain relief without joint replacement. This minimally invasive outpatient procedure targets inflammation at its source by reducing blood flow to inflamed tissue, offering knee replacement alternatives for patients.
Chronic Knee Pain Symptoms
Chronic knee pain symptoms can range from mild knee stiffness to severe immobility. Common symptoms include:
- Aching, throbbing, or burning pain in the knee joint
- Swelling and knee inflammation around the joint
- Stiffness or limited range of motion and flexibility
- Grinding or clicking sounds with movement
- Pain that worsens with activity or weather changes
- Difficulty walking, climbing stairs, or standing for long periods
If your pain persists despite medications, physical therapy, or injections, Genicular Artery Embolization may be an effective alternative.
Who Is at Risk for Chronic Knee Pain?
Anyone can develop chronic knee pain, but certain groups are more at risk. Our interventional radiology team specializes in treating these patients using advanced vascular techniques that address inflammation directly without incisions or hospitalization.
Adults over 50 years old
Individuals with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis
Athletes or people in physically demanding jobs
Those with previous knee injuries or surgeries
Individuals who are overweight or obese
People with a sedentary lifestyle or poor posture
Minimally Invasive Treatment for Chronic Knee Pain
Traditional treatments like cortisone injections or surgery can be temporary or high-risk. Meanwhile, total knee replacement surgery carries significant risks, requires months of recovery, and may not be suitable for all patients. Interventional radiology now offers a revolutionary alternative to knee replacement with proven, long-term results.
Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)
Genicular Artery Embolization is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure that provides lasting knee pain relief without surgery. GAE reduces knee pain by blocking the tiny arteries responsible for synovial inflammation in the knee joint.
During this procedure, our interventional radiologist uses a small catheter inserted through the groin or wrist. Using advanced imaging to map the genicular artery blood supply, microscopic particles are precisely delivered to reduce excessive blood flow feeding the inflamed tissue. This effectively treats chronic knee pain.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chronic Knee Pain
How to Treat Chronic Knee Pain?
Chronic knee pain treatment depends on severity and underlying cause. Initial treatments include medications, PRP knee injections, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications. For persistent pain from osteoarthritis or knee inflammation, Advanced Vascular & Vein offers GAE as a proven alternative to knee replacement. This outpatient procedure blocks blood flow to inflamed tissue, providing long-term relief while preserving your natural knee joint.
How to Relieve Chronic Knee Pain?
For immediate chronic knee pain relief, try the RICE method (rest, ice, compression, elevation), anti-inflammatory medications, and gentle exercises to maintain flexibility. Physical therapy, weight loss, and knee injections like cortisone or hyaluronic acid can provide temporary improvement. However, when conservative treatments fail, Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) offers lasting relief by targeting inflammation at its source. This minimally invasive procedure reduces pain within 1-2 weeks without surgery or lengthy recovery.
Why Do Your Knees Ache More With Age?
Knees ache more with age due to natural cartilage breakdown and decades of joint degeneration. This wear-and-tear arthritis (osteoarthritis) develops as protective cartilage thins, leading to bone-on-bone contact and inflammation. Additionally, aging reduces blood flow to joint tissues, increases inflammatory proteins, and weakens supporting muscles.