(866) 552-4866 Are you experiencing knee pain due to osteoarthritis? Schedule with a StrideCare vascular specialist. Our GAE procedure may be the solution you need this new year.Yes, your knee pain can go beyond normal wear and tear and become a vascular issue. To illustrate the transformative results of GAE, here are personal stories from two of our patients who underwent this minimally invasive procedure. Under the skillful care of a board-certified interventional radiologist, these ladies have reclaimed their lives.
Cathy's Story: Limited Mobility, Inflammation Are Common Signs of Chronic Knee Pain
Cathy's life had been severely impacted by her knee pain. She could not walk, stand, or do any weight-bearing activities for months. If that were not enough, her condition worsened to the point where her knee became swollen and unbearably painful. Desperate for a solution, she scheduled an appointment with Dr. Dean Chauvin at StrideCare Vascular. "He was wonderful," she said. "He took the time; I didn't feel rushed. He explained everything with such great detail, so I thought, ‘It's a no-brainer. I've got to get the GAE procedure done!"About Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)
GAE is a minimally invasive procedure designed to treat knee pain caused by osteoarthritis or other conditions. Researchers estimate that over 32.5 million U.S. adults have osteoarthritis (OA) which typically develops gradually in joints due to injury, illness, or repetitive use. This includes the knees, which are particularly vulnerable because the forces transmitted across the knee joint during normal walking range between 2 and 3 times a person's body weight. Osteoarthritis is most common in people over 50, though younger individuals can experience it. While there is no cure for osteoarthritis, studies suggest that undiagnosed inflammation in the lining of the knee could exacerbate persistent knee pain.
Here's how GAE works: A vascular doctor gently inserts a small catheter into an artery near the upper thigh or ankle. With X-ray imaging, they precisely identify the arteries supplying blood to the inflamed areas of the knee. Once the catheter is in position, tiny particles are introduced into the targeted arteries. By cutting off blood supply to the arteries in this area of the knee, inflammation is reduced—appropriate for someone like Cathy whose knee had become extremely swollen over time—and the patient can experience pain relief quickly. A few advantages of GAE include the following:
- Significant reduction in pain
- No incisions
- No hospital stays (outpatient procedure)
- Only 45-60 minutes to complete
- No painful side effects or downtime
- Success rate between 84%-100% of patients
Ivy's Story: GAE Gave Me "A Different Pep in My Step"
Ivy used one word to describe her knee pain: excruciating. For as long as she could remember, she struggled to bend her legs or sit for long periods—so much so that even after a successful GAE procedure, she admitted to having to re-train herself to use her legs again physically. Ivy certainly wanted relief from her knee pain but did not want to go through a complex surgery. Once she visited Dr. Dean Chauvin at StrideCare Vascular and was presented with the option to undergo GAE, she jumped at the chance. "Everything was painful in my legs before GAE," she said. "Since then, it has been a whole lot better. I have been intentional about exercising, walking, bending my legs, and just moving my legs in general. I'm able to walk around the school better than I ever had before—I have a different pep in my step."Give yourself the gift of no more knee pain this new year. Schedule a consultation with a StrideCare vascular specialist today. Our collaborative approach ensures you receive the care you need.
Interesting Facts about GAE as a Non-Surgical Knee Pain Option
Individuals like Ivy might not consider visiting a vascular surgeon about knee pain at first. Often, knee pain is deduced to a life situation that patients simply endure. Plus, if cartilage has been damaged in any way, some doctors may tell their patients that nothing can be suggested as a long-term solution beyond prescription medication, knee injections, physical therapy, braces and splints, activity modification, and weight loss. While all these options can be temporarily effective, sticking strictly to them can be a disservice to patients. It is in a patient's best interest to explore every option to find relief for osteoarthritis knee pain. When conservative tactics do not work, genicular artery embolization (GAE) can help eliminate pain and avoid invasive surgical options. Imagine overcoming these and other osteoarthritis knee pain symptoms for good:- Mild to severe knee pain
- Limited range of motion
- Unstable knee joint (feels like it will buckle)
- Knee locking, popping, and sticking
- Stiffness, especially in the morning or after inactivity
- Inflammation
- Creaking, crackling, and grating sensations
- Bone spurs
It is easy to think knee pain is your new normal when it has been dominating your life. This is especially true as you age. But your chronic knee pain can be treated with the right approach, which is why seeking treatment before it gets worse is so important. Depending on your unique needs, StrideCare offers minimally invasive treatment options, including GAE. A consultation followed by a diagnostic test can help your vascular doctor understand how severe your condition is and suggest a treatment plan that fits your needs. Hear for yourself how patients Cathy and Ivy experienced successful knee pain treatment without surgery:
Trust StrideCare With Your Knee Pain Needs Today
We understand your knee pain is all you can think about right now. We also understand that you would rather recapture the amazingly carefree and mobile life you used to have. All of this is possible by visiting a StrideCare Vascular clinic. For those worried that they will have to go through a total knee replacement, genicular artery embolization (GAE) is a game-changer when it comes to erasing inflammation in the knee and dramatically reducing the pain associated with osteoarthritis. GAE is 97.5% effective, with no need for knee surgery. Patients interested in GAE must meet the following criteria:- Age between 40-80 years old with moderate to severe knee pain and local knee tenderness
- Osteoarthritis based on X-ray but without bony deformities or sclerosis
- Knee pain resisted conservative treatment (medication, physical therapy, joint injections, etc.)