Relieve Knee Pain the Local Way – With Len Rome

(WYTV) — Do your knees cause discomfort? Does walking hurt? We'll demonstrate an approach to manage knee arthritis without undergoing significant surgery or needing a complete or partial knee replacement.

Known as genicular artery embolization, this is a fast and comfortable office-based treatment. Physicians introduce small particles into the blood vessels supplying the knee—this slightly decreases blood circulation and, in turn, alleviates the source of discomfort and swelling.

"After completing the two-hour procedure, patients typically require between two to three hours for recovery, after which they may be able to walk back home from the hospital, should they wish," stated Dr. Sid Padia of UCLA Health in Santa Monica.

Radiologists have employed this method to shrink liver tumors and manage uterine fibroids. For knee treatments, physicians focus on addressing inflammation. If you've attempted corticosteroid injections, ibuprofen, and physical therapy without relief, the remaining option is typically either total or partial knee replacement.

This treatment, known as genicular artery embolization, is beginning to gain more widespread application. It could potentially be effective for other areas of the body, such as the shoulders and elbows.

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