Scientists from MedStar Georgetown University Hospital have discovered a groundbreaking non-surgical method that strongly reduces knee pain, particularly in people aged 50 and older.
This study brings hope to many who suffer from chronic knee pain, especially those grappling with the challenges of aging joints.
The research tested 36 patients, focusing on understanding how different factors like age, gender, body mass index, previous surgeries, and conditions like fibromyalgia might influence the effectiveness of this pain reduction treatment.
Remarkably, all participants in the study experienced a substantial decrease in pain following the treatment.
What stood out was that those aged 50 and above reported the strongest improvements in both reduced pain and enhanced functionality, compared to their younger counterparts.
The treatment, known as genicular nerve radiofrequency ablation, presents a minimally invasive solution for knee pain caused by osteoarthritis. Its primary advantage is its ability to strongly reduce discomfort without the need for surgery.
Performed by interventional radiologists, this procedure involves using imaging techniques to precisely place probe needles near the knee nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals to the brain.
The probes generate radio waves that create heat, effectively dulling or destroying these pain nerve endings. Importantly, these nerves are not associated with muscle control or balance, ensuring the safety of the procedure.
One of the most appealing aspects of this treatment is its simplicity and minimal recovery time. Patients typically leave with just Band-Aids, not stitches.
Previous studies have indicated that the relief provided by this treatment can last anywhere from six months to two years.
For those struggling with daily pain, this treatment offers a chance to reclaim a better quality of life, allowing them to enjoy everyday activities with significantly less discomfort.
The research team is conducting long-term studies to delve deeper into other factors that could predict the treatment’s effectiveness.
Interestingly, this same technique is being applied to other areas of the body, such as the shoulders, hips, and sacroiliac joints (where the spine meets the pelvis), expanding the potential benefits of this innovative approach.
For those invested in pain relief and wellness, this research not only offers hope but also paves the way for more effective, non-invasive treatments for chronic pain conditions.
If you care about pain, please read studies about vitamin K deficiency linked to hip fractures in old people, and these vitamins could help reduce bone fracture risk.
For more information about wellness, please see recent studies that Krill oil could improve muscle health in older people, and eating yogurt linked to lower frailty in older people.
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