Non-Surgical Knee Pain Relief Options
If you are struggling with knee osteoarthritis pain, there are effective non-surgical knee pain treatment options available. One advanced choice is Genicular artery embolization, also known as GAE, for osteoarthritis, which offers relief without the need for major surgery.
At our Tampa clinic, board-certified vascular surgeon Dr. Bunnell performs this minimally invasive knee pain relief procedure. The GAE knee treatment uses interventional radiology techniques to target the arteries causing inflammation and pain in the knee.
This knee embolization procedure is done in the office with a small pinhole and allows most patients to recover quickly with little downtime. Many experience noticeable pain relief soon after, improving their daily comfort and mobility.
Kimberly's Experience With GAE Treatment
Kimberly struggled with knee osteoarthritis pain for many years, which made staying active hard. After her GAE for osteoarthritis procedure using interventional radiology knee pain techniques with Dr. Bunnell, she is now pain-free and enjoying life with much less discomfort.
Watch Dr. Bunnell Perform GAE on Kimberly In This Video:
I had issues with my knee. I had surgery, went through physical therapy. My knee wasn’t getting any better. Orthopedics kept giving muscle relaxers, pain medications, physical therapy. Nothing would help.
After speaking with Dr. Bunnell about it, I decided to go for the GAE procedure.
This procedure has actually changed my life. I’m more active now. I don’t feel the pain that I felt in my knee, which was completely debilitating.
I highly, highly recommend the GAE procedure. Three weeks today after my procedure, no issues, no complaints. Thank you, Dr. Bunnell.
~ Kimberly, GAE Patient at Pinellas Vascular
Osteoarthritis Knee Pain Care And Treatment
Board-certified vascular surgeon Dr. Bunnell shares how interventional radiology knee pain solutions like GAE for osteoarthritis can offer real relief. This simple and targeted knee osteoarthritis treatment helps reduce pain and improve movement without needing major surgery.
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)
Osteoarthritis knee pain often gets worse over time because of swelling around the joint. This happens when tiny new blood vessels form where they should not be, causing more inflammation and discomfort.
These extra blood vessels make the pain cycle continue, slowly damaging the joint further. Standard treatments like pain pills, physical therapy, or even surgery often miss the real problem, which is this unwanted blood flow and swelling.
Genicular Artery Embolization, also known as GAE, is a newer option that targets the root of the problem. It works by blocking those tiny blood vessels, helping to reduce swelling and pain. Many people feel better without needing large surgery or long recovery times.
Understanding How GAE Works
What Happens During GAE Treatment
Genicular artery embolization is a simple and minimally invasive treatment that helps reduce knee pain caused by osteoarthritis. It works by targeting the small blood vessels that contribute to joint pain and swelling.
During the procedure, Dr. Bunnell carefully guides a thin tube through a tiny opening in the wrist or groin area. With the help of advanced imaging, the tube is moved into the knee’s small arteries that are causing discomfort.
Tiny medical beads are then used to block these blood vessels, which lowers the swelling in the knee joint. The entire process takes about an hour, and most people are able to go home the same day.
Before And After GAE Treatment
Before GAE, many patients dealt with daily knee pain that limited their ability to walk, stay active, or enjoy simple tasks. Traditional treatments may not bring lasting results, especially when inflammation keeps coming back.
After the GAE procedure, most people feel relief quickly. The treatment works by reducing swelling and cutting off the abnormal blood vessels causing the pain. This helps improve comfort and gives patients a better quality of life.
Results With GAE Treatment
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 The Right Choice For You
Most patients with moderate to severe osteoarthritis might be good candidates for GAE treatment, but each person’s situation is different. At Pinellas Vascular, we carefully review your health and knee condition to see if this procedure is the best fit for you.
If you want to know whether GAE is right for your knee pain, you can call us at (727) 354-7274 to book a consultation. You may also fill out our contact form or use the GAE Screening Tool on our website to answer some questions and get started.
Knee Osteoarthritis Explained
Knee osteoarthritis is a common joint problem where the cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones in the knee slowly wears away. This causes pain, stiffness, and makes moving the knee harder. It is the most common type of arthritis and often affects the knees, hips, and hands.
This condition usually happens as people get older, but it can also result from injury or overuse. When you have knee osteoarthritis, the tissues around the joint can become inflamed, and the joint space may narrow. These changes make daily activities like walking or climbing stairs more difficult and painful.
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.
Symptoms Of Knee Osteoarthritis
Living with knee osteoarthritis often means dealing with daily pain, stiffness, and difficulty moving. Your knee may feel sore when walking, standing for too long, or even getting out of bed. Simple tasks like climbing stairs or bending down can become uncomfortable or even painful.
These ongoing symptoms can make it hard to enjoy your usual activities. You may start avoiding social events or skipping hobbies you once loved. Over time, the constant pain and reduced movement can affect your sleep, mood, and work life, leading to stress and frustration that impact your overall well-being.
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.
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.
Are You At Risk For Knee Osteoarthritis?
Risk Factors Include:
- Increased age. Knee osteoarthritis is more common in people over the age of 50, as the cartilage naturally wears down with time.
- Increased weight. Carrying extra body weight adds more pressure on the knee joints, which can speed up the wearing away of cartilage.
- Trauma to the joint. Repetitive movements like frequent squatting or kneeling can slowly damage the knee joint, leading to osteoarthritis over time.
- Knee injuries. Past injuries such as ligament tears, meniscus damage, or bone fractures can raise the chances of developing knee osteoarthritis later in life.
- Genetics. If others in your family have had osteoarthritis, you may be more likely to get it too due to inherited traits.
Begin The Path To Pain-Free Living Today
If you or someone you care about is living with knee osteoarthritis and other treatments have not helped, Genicular Artery Embolization may offer a new direction. This gentle, non-surgical procedure can help ease long-term knee pain so that you can get back to living your life more comfortably. Whether your pain affects your work, hobbies, or everyday movement, there is hope.
Dr. Bunnell, a board-certified vascular surgeon, is here to guide you through this advanced treatment. To take your first step, call us today at (727) 354-7274. You can also fill out the short form below, and we will reach out to schedule your appointment.
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.