Scientists at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital have recently uncovered a promising new way to treat knee pain, particularly benefiting those aged 50 and above.
Their study explores a non-surgical method that has shown significant results in reducing knee pain, offering a potential breakthrough for those suffering from chronic discomfort.
The study involved 36 patients, where the research team closely examined various factors such as age, gender, body weight, previous surgeries, and conditions like fibromyalgia to see how these might influence pain reduction outcomes.
Their focus was on a treatment called genicular nerve radiofrequency ablation, a minimally invasive procedure aimed at relieving knee pain caused by osteoarthritis.
Genicular nerve radiofrequency ablation works by targeting the nerves around the knee that transmit pain signals to the brain. Interventional radiologists perform this procedure using imaging techniques to guide probe needles to the precise locations near the knee’s nerves.
Once in place, the probes emit radio waves that produce heat, which then dulls or destroys the nerve endings responsible for pain.
An important aspect of this treatment is that it targets nerves that don’t control muscles or balance, ensuring that the procedure is safe and doesn’t affect a patient’s ability to move normally. After the treatment, patients usually leave with just a few Band-Aids, rather than needing stitches.
The results of this study were encouraging. Every participant reported a notable reduction in pain, with those aged 50 and older experiencing the most significant improvements in both pain relief and knee function compared to younger participants.
This makes the treatment especially valuable for older adults who are more likely to suffer from knee osteoarthritis and the chronic pain associated with it.
The pain relief from genicular nerve radiofrequency ablation can last from six months up to two years, based on findings from other similar studies.
This offers a substantial period of improved comfort and mobility for those who receive the treatment, making it a valuable option for managing chronic knee pain without the need for surgery.
The researchers are now conducting long-term studies to better understand what factors might predict the success of this treatment.
They are looking into aspects such as whether certain patient characteristics make the treatment more effective and how long the benefits last under different conditions.
Interestingly, this technique isn’t just limited to treating knee pain. It’s also being used to relieve pain in other areas, including the shoulder, hips, and sacroiliac joints, which are located where the spine meets the pelvis.
This broad applicability suggests that genicular nerve radiofrequency ablation could become a widely used method for managing various types of joint pain.
This study, led by Kaitlin Carrato and her team, was presented at the Society of Interventional Radiology Annual Scientific Meeting.
It adds to a growing body of research focused on non-surgical options for pain management, providing new hope for those suffering from chronic pain, particularly older adults with knee osteoarthritis.
This research highlights the potential of innovative medical treatments to improve the quality of life for individuals dealing with daily pain.
As the researchers continue to explore this method and its long-term effectiveness, it may soon become a standard treatment for those seeking relief from the debilitating effects of knee osteoarthritis.
This discovery is a significant step forward in the ongoing quest to offer safer, less invasive pain management solutions for those in need.
If you care about arthritis, please read studies about extra virgin olive oil for arthritis, and pomegranate: A natural treatment for rheumatoid arthritis.
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