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It’s a common problem, with improper technique and excess weight being leading causes. But don’t worry, there are options for non-surgical knee pain treatment.
With over 100 million Americans suffering from chronic pain, it’s important to know that knee pain is the second most common cause. While more women than men report knee pain, it still affects between 15 and 20% of men.
The good news is that non-surgical options are available for those looking to alleviate their knee pain. So don’t let knee pain hold you back – we offer non-surgical treatment plans to get you back on your feet!
IR procedures are nonsurgical, outpatient, same-day procedures that can often be performed in under an hour. They are also called percutaneous procedures or needle entry procedures. These recently developed techniques allow access to areas that would otherwise require a more invasive procedure, such as traditional surgery, which requires general anesthesia, a stay in the hospital, and a long recovery period.
While it’s normal to experience mild discomfort during and post-treatment, most patients report a positive experience without any major pain.
All procedures can be done on-site at the medical clinic. No general anesthesia or hospital stay is required.
Interventional radiology procedures typically involve shorter recovery periods and faster return to daily activities than traditional open surgeries.
Interventional radiology has a high success rate in diagnosing and treating a variety of medical conditions using non-surgical techniques.
Compared to traditional surgical procedures, interventional radiology has fewer side effects, such as reduced pain and scarring, shorter recovery times, and lower risks of complications.
The knee joint is a complex hinge joint that allows the leg to bend and straighten. It is made up of bones, ligaments, tendons, and a fluid-filled sac called the bursa.
The most common cause of knee pain is knee osteoarthritis, which affects approximately 30% of adults over the age of 60. Other causes of knee pain include injuries, mechanical problems, and types of arthritis.
Injuries to the knee joint can involve the bones, ligaments, cartilage, tendons, bursae, and muscles. Common examples include ACL injury, meniscus tear, fractures, knee bursitis, and patellar tendinitis.
Some mechanical problems that can cause knee pain include dislocation, hip or foot pain, iliotibial band syndrome, and loose body.
There are more than 100 different types of arthritis, but the most common types that affect the knee are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, pseudogout, and septic arthritis.
Risk factors for knee problems include age, obesity, occupation, repetitive impact activities, previous knee injury or surgery, and chronic health conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, or diabetes.
An Imaging & Interventional Specialists’ physician will take a detailed history and perform a physical exam of your knee. They may also order X-rays, CT scans, or MRI for further evaluation. Blood tests and consultation with other members of your care team may also help determine your diagnosis and individualized treatment plan.
Several non-surgical treatments can be effective, including physical therapy, joint protectants (such as glucosamine and chondroitin), pain relief medications, and medications tailored to the specific disease affecting your knee.
In some cases, surgery may be necessary. Surgical procedures for knee pain may include arthroscopy, osteotomy, uni-compartmental (partial) knee replacement, and total knee replacement.
Treatment for knee pain depends on the underlying cause. Lifestyle changes that may help decrease or prevent knee pain include maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, wearing comfortable, low-heeled shoes, and avoiding repetitive impact activities. Treatment options for specific knee conditions may include weight loss, physical therapy, medications, injections, or surgery.
Genicular artery embolization is an advanced, same-day surgery that involves injecting tiny beads to block blood flow to the knee joint and reduce inflammation. This procedure can provide significant pain relief with little to no downtime.
Specialists will evaluate your medical history, perform a physical exam, and evaluate your imaging, which may include blood tests, CT scans, or MRIs. They will communicate with other members of your treatment team to determine whether you are a candidate for this procedure.
The board-certified physicians at Imaging & Interventional Specialists are leaders in interventional radiology and experts in genicular artery embolization. They offer in-house testing for diagnosis and individualized treatment programs for knee pain management, using state-of-the-art equipment to focus on your best outcome.
