Knee Pain
Providing the best care for Knee Pain
What is Osteoarthritis or OA?
- It is the leading cause of knee pain in adults. It results from thinning of the cartilage of the knee joint and is associated with knee pain that is worse with activity
- If you would like to avoid surgery, are not ready for surgery yet, or have had surgery and still suffer from knee pain, Genicular nerve ablation may be an option for you
- The first step is a genicular nerve block. This is basically a test to ensure that your pain will be relieved by ablation of the genicular nerve. If your feel adequate relief of your knee pain a genicular nerve radiofrequency ablation can be performed to give long lasting pain relief.
Symptoms
- Joint pain, often worsened with movement and relieved with rest.
- Stiffness, especially after periods of inactivity or upon waking in the morning.
- Swelling and tenderness around affected joints.
- Decreased range of motion and flexibility.
- Formation of bone spurs (osteophytes) around the affected joint.
- Grating sensation or audible cracking (crepitus) during joint movement.
Risk Factors
- Age: Risk increases with age, as joint cartilage naturally degenerates over time.
- Obesity: Excess body weight places increased stress on weight-bearing joints, accelerating cartilage wear.
- Joint injuries or trauma: Previous joint injuries can predispose individuals to developing OA in affected joints.
- Genetics: Family history of OA may increase the risk of developing the condition.
- Occupation: Jobs involving repetitive stress on joints or heavy lifting may contribute to OA development.
Diagnosis
A physician will begin the process by taking a complete medical history and thorough physical exam.
Additional tests may be used to make the diagnosis such as
- Medical History and Physical Examination: Healthcare providers assess symptoms, medical history, and perform a physical examination to evaluate joint function, range of motion, and signs of inflammation.
- Imaging Studies
- Further Testing
Treatment
What is Genicular nerve ablation?
Genicular nerve ablation is a minimally invasive procedure used to relieve chronic knee pain caused by osteoarthritis. During the procedure, heat or cold energy is applied to the genicular nerves surrounding the knee joint, disrupting pain signals and providing long-lasting pain relief.
Why Choose Apex?
Our board-certified, highly experienced doctors treat each patient with individual care, attention, and comprehensive follow-up care to ensure complete rehabilitation.
