Ways to Ease Knee Pain and Protect Your Joints
/Living with Knee Pain from Osteoarthritis
Knee osteoarthritis is one of the most common causes of joint pain, especially as we age. It happens when the protective cartilage that cushions the bones in the knee wears down over time, leading to stiffness, pain, and swelling. The Arthritis Foundation offers helpful information on how osteoarthritis develops and ways to manage symptoms.
While there is no cure for osteoarthritis, there are several ways to help keep your knees feeling better and protect them from further damage.
Simple Steps to Help Ease Knee Pain
1. Keep Moving
Low-impact activities like walking, swimming, or cycling can strengthen the muscles that support your knees and help maintain flexibility. Staying active improves circulation and joint health.
2. Watch Your Weight
Even small amounts of weight loss can reduce stress on your knees. Every extra pound adds pressure to your joints, so maintaining a healthy weight can relieve pain and slow the progression of arthritis.
3. Stretch and Strengthen
Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises for your thighs and calves can help stabilize the joint. Strong leg muscles take pressure off your knees and improve mobility.
4. Avoid High-Impact Movements
Try to limit deep knee bends, squats, or running on hard surfaces. These movements can worsen pain and joint irritation.
5. Consider Medical Treatments
For patients whose pain persists, medical options such as physical therapy, cortisone injections, or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy may help reduce inflammation and improve function. These treatments are often recommended as part of a comprehensive care plan before moving to more advanced options.
When Conservative Treatments Are Not Enough
If you have already tried these methods and your knee pain continues to interfere with daily life, a minimally invasive procedure called Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) may help.
GAE targets small arteries around the knee that cause chronic inflammation. By reducing blood flow to these inflamed areas, the procedure can relieve pain and improve movement without surgery or hospitalization.
A Patient-Focused Approach to Knee Pain Relief
At San Francisco Vein & Vascular Institute, our vascular specialists are experienced in minimally invasive treatments designed to reduce pain and improve mobility with minimal downtime. We take time to explain your options and create a plan that fits your goals and lifestyle.
Learn more about how GAE can help you move comfortably and confidently again.
