Knee Pain Relief Without Major Surgery
Treatment for osteoarthritis knee pain in St. Pete at Pinellas Vascular is quick and easy.
Board certified vascular surgeon Dr. Bunnell can help put an end to your osteoarthritis knee pain by performing the cutting-edge, new minimally-invasive treatment called GAE (Genicular Artery Embolization).
It’s performed right in our office on an outpatient basis through a small pin hole so you can enjoy practically no downtime.
The majority of patients experience immediate relief from knee pain after the procedure and leave our office enjoying a significantly improved quality of life.
Treatment for Osteoarthritis Knee Pain
Knee pain relief specialist, board-certified vascular surgeon Dr. Bunnell explains osteoarthritis knee pain, why you’re feeling it, and how it can be treated using this revolutionary new treatment called GAE (Genicular Artery Embolization).
Board Certified Vascular Surgeon Dr. Bunnell Explains GAE
Studies show that patients with knee osteoarthritis have an overproduction of tiny channels of blood flow around the knee causing inflammation that keeps building and building over time.
The GAE procedure helps eliminate the inflammation and stops the cycle of increased inflammation from continuing.
Right after the GAE procedure, most people are able to stand up and walk around with immediate pain relief.
~ Avianne Bunnell, MD, RPVI
Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)
The reason why osteoarthritis knee pain gets worse over time is because of the inflammatory changes that happen around the joint space.
These changes are caused by the development of tiny blood vessels that shouldn’t be there. This abnormal vascular growth in turn also increases the inflammation, creating a cycle that worsens pain and joint damage over time.
Traditional treatments like physical therapy, pain medications, and even joint replacement surgery, do not target these unwanted blood vessels or the inflammation they cause. As a result, many patients continue to experience pain even after undergoing invasive procedures.
This is where Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE Treatment) can help.
How GAE Works
What To Expect During The GAE Treatment
Genicular artery embolization (GAE) is a minimally invasive procedure that directly addresses the root cause of osteoarthritis pain.
During the procedure, Dr. Bunnell uses a small catheter passed through a vessel in the wrist or through a pin-hole-sized hole in the groin.
Using specialized imaging technology, the catheter is positioned in the genicular artery branches (the tiny vessels supplying blood flow to the knee joint). These are the vessels that are causing the pain.
Using small medical beads, these vessels are blocked off, which results in decreased inflammation of the joint.
The entire treatment lasts about 1 hour and is an outpatient procedure.
GAE Treatment Results
Most patients can stand, walk, and resume normal activities the same day, experiencing significant pain relief almost immediately.
Years of research and clinical data support the effectiveness of GAE. Post-procedure MRIs have shown:
- Reduced inflammation around the joint.
- Slowed or halted joint destruction.
- Long-lasting improvements in pain and mobility.
For many patients, this treatment has been life-changing, allowing them to reclaim their independence and enjoy daily activities without the constant burden of joint pain.
Is GAE Right For You?
Most patients with moderate to severe osteoarthritis may qualify for this treatment. However, every case is unique.
At Pinellas Vascular, we take a personalized approach, evaluating each patient’s condition and medical history to determine if GAE is the right option.
To find out if you’re a candidate for the GAE procedure, call us now at (727) 354-7274 to schedule your consultation. You may request an appointment using our contact form, or you can use our GAE Screening Tool to answer a few questions.
What is Knee Osteoarthritis?
Arthritis is a general term for joint inflammation. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative joint disease that affects the knee, one of the body’s largest and most used joints. It occurs when the cartilage that cushions the ends of bones in the knee joint gradually wears down, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
It often comes with aging and most commonly affects the hands, knees, and hips. Here is what’s happening in and around the knee when you have osteoarthritis of the knee:
Cartilage Degeneration
The smooth cartilage that enables frictionless movement between the thigh bone (femur), shinbone (tibia), and kneecap (patella) breaks down over time.
Bone Changes
As the cartilage in the knee wears away, the bones may start to rub against each other, causing pain and possibly leading to the formation of bone spurs.
Inflammation Cycle
The joint may become inflamed due to the overproduction of tiny blood vessels all around the knee. This leads to swelling and more inflammation.
Reduced Joint Space
The loss of cartilage results in the narrowing of the space between the bones of the knee joint. This further contributes to stiffness and pain.
Am I At Risk For Knee Osteoarthritis?
Risk Factors Include:
- Increased age. It is most common in people over the age of 50.
- Increased weight. Excess body weight puts additional stress on the knee joints, accelerating cartilage breakdown.
- Trauma to the joint. Repetitive movements such as squatting or kneeling , over time, can contribute to knee osteoarthritis.
- Knee injuries. Previous injuries, such as ligament tears, meniscus damage, or fractures, can increase the risk of knee osteoarthritis.
- Genetics. A family history of osteoarthritis may predispose you to developing the condition.
Symptoms of Knee Osteoarthritis
If you suffer from osteoarthritis of the knee, your daily quality of life is likely affected.
You’re probably experiencing knee pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility, making everyday tasks and physical activities challenging. More importantly, your knee pain may be preventing you from enjoying the fun activities you used to do with ease.
This chronic pain and discomfort can eventually lead to feelings of frustration and depression. The pain can also interfere with your sleep and start to affect your work life, finances and overall quality of life.
Are You Experiencing Any of The Following Osteoarthritis Knee Symptoms?
Knee Pain
Affected joints might hurt while at rest and/or during or after movement.
Joint Stiffness
Joint stiffness might be most noticeable upon awakening or after being inactive.
Joint Tenderness
Heightened sensitivity or discomfort in the knee area when touched, pressed, or during movement.
Loss of Flexibility and Range of Motion
Inability to move the knee joint through its normal arc of motion, including bending and straightening.
Knee Swelling
Excess fluid builds up in or around the knee joint causing the knee to appear larger, feel stiff, and sometimes lead to pain and reduced mobility.
Decreased Mobility
Difficulty moving the joint through its full range of motion, leading to difficulty with basic movements such as walking, bending, or standing.
Take the First Step Toward Pain-Free Living
If you or a loved one is suffering from knee osteoarthritis and traditional treatments haven’t worked, Genicular Artery Embolization could be the solution you’ve been waiting for. Don’t let knee pain interfere with your daily activities and rob you from doing the things you enjoy.
Board certified vascular surgeon Dr. Bunnell has the expertise to help put an end to your debilitating knee pain, and help improve your quality of life with the revolutionary GAE treatment.
To schedule your GAE consultation to find out if this procedure is right for you, give us a call today at (727) 354-7274. You may also request your appointment by filling out the form below, and we will reply to you shortly.
Request Your Appointment
Use the form below to request your appointment or send us a message with any questions you may have and we’ll be happy to reach out to you shortly.
Reviews From Our Wonderful Patients...
Dr Bunnell and her staff are some of the best I’ve ever had the pleasure to work with! They are efficient, extremely polite and very professional! I highly recommend their business!!
If you are looking for the best vascular surgeon then call Dr. Bunnell. Her and her team are excellent at what they do.
The personnel at this practice, led by Dr. AVIANNE BUNNELL, is exceptional. Their knowledge and caring attitude are wonderful.