Knee Arthritis Treatment
Image-Guided Knee Pain Treatment in Cape Girardeau, MO
Knee arthritis can make everyday activities from walking, climbing stairs, exercising, even standing for long periods painful and frustrating. If medications, injections, or physical therapy haven’t provided enough relief, you may feel like knee replacement surgery is your only option.
At The Interventional Clinic in Cape Girardeau, we offer a minimally invasive knee arthritis treatment called genicular artery embolization (GAE). This innovative, image-guided procedure targets inflammation inside the knee to reduce pain, improve mobility, and help you stay active without surgery or a long recovery.
Why Early Treatment Matters
Knee arthritis symptoms often worsen over time, limiting mobility and affecting quality of life. Early treatment can reduce pain, improve function, and help delay or avoid joint replacement surgery.
Reduce Chronic Knee Pain
Target inflammation that contributes to arthritis symptoms.
Minimally Invasive Alternative to Knee Surgery
No large incisions, joint replacement, or lengthy hospital stay required.
Improved Mobility
Walk, exercise, and move more comfortably.
Faster Recovery
Most patients return to normal activities within days.
What You Need to Know
What Is Knee Arthritis?
Knee arthritis, most commonly osteoarthritis, occurs when the cartilage cushioning the knee joint gradually wears down. This causes inflammation, stiffness, pain, and decreased mobility over time.
It is one of the most common causes of chronic knee pain in adults.
Common Symptoms
Symptoms may include knee pain, swelling, stiffness, reduced range of motion, clicking or grinding sensations, and discomfort that worsens with activity. Many patients also experience difficulty walking, climbing stairs, or standing for long periods.
Causes and Risk Factors
Aging and normal wear-and-tear are the most common causes of osteoarthritis. Other risk factors include previous knee injuries, excess weight, repetitive stress on the joint, and family history.
What Happens If Left Untreated
Without treatment, arthritis symptoms often progress over time, leading to worsening pain, decreased mobility, and loss of independence. Chronic inflammation can continue damaging the joint and significantly affect quality of life.
Knee Arthritis Treatment Options
Not sure whether your knee pain may be arthritis-related? Take our quick, confidential quiz to better understand your symptoms and whether minimally invasive treatment may help.
Treatment Options For Knee Arthritis
At The Interventional Clinic We specialize in genicular artery embolization (GAE): an advanced, minimally invasive treatment for chronic knee pain caused by arthritis.
Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)
GAE reduces inflammation in the knee by decreasing abnormal blood flow to inflamed tissues within the joint lining.
What Happens During GAE
A small catheter is inserted through a tiny puncture, typically in the groin, and guided to the arteries supplying the inflamed areas of the knee. Tiny particles are then used to reduce excess blood flow associated with inflammation.
Benefits of GAE
GAE is performed under light sedation and does not involve removing or replacing the joint. Most patients go home the same day and return to normal activities within a few days. Many experience meaningful pain reduction and improved mobility over the following weeks and months.
Comparing Knee Arthritis Treatment Options
Patients with knee arthritis often have several treatment options depending on the severity of symptoms and joint damage.
|
GAE |
Joint Injections | Physical Therapy | Knee Replacement Surgery | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Treats |
Arthritis inflammation |
Symptoms & inflammation | Mobility & strength | Advanced joint damage |
| Anesthesia |
Twilight sedation |
None | None | General or spinal anesthesia |
| Incision |
Tiny catheter puncture |
None | None | Large surgical incision |
| Hospital stay |
Same-day discharge |
None | None | 1-3+ days |
| Recovery Time |
Days |
Minimal | Ongoing | Weeks to months |
| Pain Relief |
Significant for many patients |
Temporary | Variable | High |
| Invasiveness |
Minimally invasive |
Minimally invasive | Non-invasive | High |
Why Choose The Interventional Clinic For Knee Arthritis Treatment
Knee pain treatment should help you stay active without unnecessary downtime or surgery. Our team offers advanced care focused on comfort, mobility, and long-term quality of life.
Specialized
Expertise
Board-certified interventional radiologists experienced in advanced embolization procedures.
Image-Guided
Precision
Advanced imaging allows targeted treatment of inflamed blood vessels in the knee.
Minimally Invasive
Approach
Avoid major surgery and lengthy recovery whenever possible.
Personalized
Care
We take the time to understand your symptoms, goals, and activity level to create the right treatment plan for you.
Find Relief From Chronic Knee Pain Without Surgery
If knee arthritis is limiting your mobility or keeping you from the activities you enjoy, minimally invasive treatment may help you regain comfort and confidence.
Schedule a consultation today to learn whether genicular artery embolization is right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About GAE for Knee Arthritis
Is GAE Painful?
GAE is performed under light sedation, and most patients experience little to no discomfort during treatment. Mild soreness afterward is usually temporary.
Am I a Candidate For GAE?
GAE is often recommended for patients with moderate to severe knee arthritis who continue to have pain despite medications, injections, or therapy, especially those looking to avoid or delay knee replacement surgery.
How Long Before I Feel Better?
Many patients notice improvement within several weeks, with continued pain relief and mobility improvement over time.
Does GAE Cure Arthritis?
GAE does not reverse arthritis, but it can significantly reduce inflammation and pain, helping improve function and quality of life.
Will Insurance Cover Treatment?
Coverage for GAE varies depending on your insurance provider and policy. Our team will verify your benefits and discuss any potential costs before treatment.