Knee pain is one of the most common health problems among older adults. As people age, the joints in the body gradually wear down. The knee joint, which carries much of the body’s weight and helps people walk, stand, and move, is especially vulnerable.
One of the main causes of long‑term knee pain is osteoarthritis, a condition in which the protective cartilage in the joint slowly breaks down.
When this cushioning layer becomes thinner, the bones rub together, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness. For many people, this pain can make everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs, or getting out of a chair much more difficult.
Doctors often begin treatment for knee pain with medication, physical therapy, or lifestyle changes such as weight management and exercise. However, these treatments do not always provide enough relief. In more severe cases, patients may consider surgery such as knee replacement.
While surgery can be effective, it is a major procedure and not everyone is ready or able to undergo it. Because of this, researchers have been searching for new treatments that can reduce knee pain without requiring surgery.
A recent study from MedStar Georgetown University Hospital has identified a promising option that may help many people suffering from chronic knee pain. The treatment is called genicular nerve radiofrequency ablation. It is a minimally invasive procedure designed to reduce pain by targeting the nerves that carry pain signals from the knee to the brain.
The research involved 36 patients who were experiencing ongoing knee pain. The scientists wanted to learn whether certain factors might affect how well the treatment works.
They examined differences such as age, gender, body mass index, previous surgeries, and whether patients had conditions such as fibromyalgia. By studying these details, the team hoped to understand which patients might benefit the most from the procedure.
The results were encouraging. Every participant in the study reported a reduction in knee pain after receiving the treatment. However, the greatest improvements were seen in patients who were over the age of 50.
These individuals experienced the largest decrease in pain levels and also showed better mobility after the procedure. Many of them were able to move more comfortably and carry out daily activities with less discomfort.
Genicular nerve radiofrequency ablation works by focusing on the small nerves around the knee joint that send pain messages to the brain. These nerves are called genicular nerves. Importantly, these nerves do not control muscle movement or balance.
Their main role is simply to transmit pain signals. Because of this, doctors can safely target them without affecting how the knee moves.
During the procedure, doctors use imaging technology to carefully guide small probe needles to specific areas around the knee. Once the probes are correctly positioned, radiofrequency energy is used to produce heat at the tip of the probe.
This heat temporarily disables or damages the pain‑sensing nerve endings. As a result, the nerves stop sending strong pain signals to the brain.
The procedure itself is relatively quick and does not require major surgery. Patients do not need stitches, and only small bandages are placed on the skin afterward. Because it is minimally invasive, recovery time is usually short, allowing many patients to return to normal activities fairly quickly.
Previous research has shown that pain relief from genicular nerve radiofrequency ablation can last anywhere from six months to two years.
For people who have struggled with constant knee pain, this long period of relief can make a significant difference in their daily lives. Being able to move more easily can improve independence, physical activity, and overall well‑being.
Researchers at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital are continuing to study this treatment. Their goal is to develop better ways to predict which patients will experience the greatest benefit.
They are also exploring whether similar nerve‑targeting techniques might help relieve pain in other parts of the body, including the shoulders, hips, and the sacroiliac joints, which connect the spine to the pelvis.
At the same time, scientists are examining many different approaches to managing chronic pain. Some studies suggest that around one in three people with ongoing pain turn to marijuana to try to relieve symptoms.
Other research has looked at whether certain vitamins might reduce the risk of bone fractures, whether krill oil can improve muscle health, and whether strength training methods such as powerlifting could help people with chronic lower back pain.
The new findings highlight genicular nerve radiofrequency ablation as a promising option for people dealing with knee pain, particularly older adults. By offering long‑lasting pain relief without the need for surgery, this treatment may help many patients regain comfort, movement, and a better quality of life.
The study, led by Kaitlin Carrato, was presented at the Society of Interventional Radiology Annual Scientific Meeting.
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 health information, 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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