A recent treatment is offering hope to people suffering from knee pain, especially those over the age of 50. Researchers at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital found that a minimally invasive procedure called genicular nerve radiofrequency ablation can significantly reduce knee pain caused by osteoarthritis.
This discovery could improve the quality of life for many people who struggle with knee pain on a daily basis.
The study involved 36 patients who underwent the procedure, which targets specific nerves in the knee that send pain signals to the brain. Researchers wanted to see if factors like age, gender, body weight, past surgeries, or fibromyalgia affected the treatment’s success.
After the procedure, all participants reported a significant reduction in pain. The most noticeable improvement was seen in patients aged 50 and older, who experienced the greatest increase in mobility and relief from pain.
Genicular nerve radiofrequency ablation is a non-surgical procedure performed by interventional radiologists using imaging technology. A thin probe is placed near the pain-signaling nerves in the knee.
The probe then emits radio waves, generating heat that disrupts these nerves, preventing them from sending pain signals. Since these nerves do not control movement or balance, the procedure is safe and does not affect muscle function.
One of the biggest advantages of this treatment is that it is quick and requires minimal recovery time. Patients leave the clinic with only small bandages, without the need for stitches. Previous research suggests that pain relief from the procedure can last anywhere from six months to two years, making it a long-lasting option for those seeking relief from knee osteoarthritis.
For many people, chronic knee pain can make everyday activities difficult, from walking to climbing stairs or even standing for long periods.
The researchers believe that this treatment offers a chance for patients to regain their mobility and improve their overall quality of life without needing surgery. The team is now conducting further studies to understand how different factors may influence how well the treatment works in the long term.
This technique is not only used for knee pain—it has also been successfully applied to treat pain in the shoulders, hips, and the sacroiliac joints, which connect the spine to the pelvis.
As researchers continue to explore new ways to manage chronic pain, treatments like genicular nerve radiofrequency ablation provide an alternative for people looking for effective, non-surgical options. This procedure could be life-changing for many who struggle with knee pain and want to return to an active lifestyle.
If you care about pain, please read studies that vegetarian women have higher risk of hip fracture, and these vitamins could help reduce bone fracture risk.
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