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Knee Pain: Knee Osteoarthritis

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease whereby the cartilage in the knee joint breaks down, causing pain, stiffness and reduced mobility. It is also a progressive disease, which means it will only worsen over time.

There is new science that shows how chronic inflammation leads to the development of abnormal blood vessels within the lining of the knee (the synovium) which increases the flow of blood to the joint and accelerates the destruction of cartilage.

Knee pain and knee osteoarthritis treatment Minnesota

What are my knee osteoarthritis treatment options?

When the pain is mild to moderate, physicians often prescribe medications, physical therapy, gel injections or corticosteroid injections to manage the pain. Total knee replacement surgery is considered the gold standard treatment for severe knee osteoarthritis. However, not all patients are able—or willing—to undergo this major form of surgery, and the subsequent painful recovery and lengthy physical therapy required to regain function. Alternatively, treating this chronic pain with a lifelong medication regimen may not be practical and comes with its own health risks.

Genicular Artery Embolization for Knee Osteoarthritis

Today there is a new treatment option. Genicular artery embolization (GAE) is a new, minimally invasive procedure meant to “fill the gap” between medication and total knee replacement surgery. If you have osteoarthritis in one or both knees, don’t wait! It’s important to know your treatment options before surgery becomes your only option.

North Star Vascular & Interventional offers GAE, a minimally invasive, outpatient alternative to ongoing medication regimens or surgical treatments such as total knee replacement surgery.

You can learn more about GAE by clicking here »

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For more information about knee pain treatment at North Star Vascular please contact us.