Knee Pain from Osteoarthritis

What is knee osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is the most common cause of knee pain, especially in older adults. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that occurs when the protective cartilage in the knee wears down over time, leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling.

Knee Pain from Osteoarthritis

Knee pain can also be attributed to rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation in the joints, including the knees. It can result in pain, swelling, and joint deformity. Other causes of knee pain include traumatic injury, tendonitis, bursitis, and overuse or strain.

At Clarity Care in Kansas City, we offer an innovative, non-surgical knee pain treatment called Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) that provides long-lasting pain relief and improved function — without the need for joint replacement or invasive surgery.

Common symptoms of Knee Osteoarthritis

  • Persistent knee pain during activity or rest
  • Swelling or stiffness in the knee joint
  • Difficulty walking, climbing stairs, or standing for long periods
  • Decreased range of motion
  • Clicking or grinding sensation in the knee

If these symptoms sound familiar, you may be a candidate for GAE, a safe and minimally invasive procedure that targets the root cause of knee pain — inflammation.

Minimally invasive treatment: Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)

No Surgery, Just Relief

Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) is a cutting-edge, image-guided procedure that reduces inflammation in the knee by blocking tiny blood vessels (called genicular arteries) responsible for chronic pain.

Performed through a pin-sized incision in the wrist or groin, our interventional radiologists use advanced imaging to precisely deliver microscopic particles to the inflamed vessels. This decreases blood flow to the inflamed tissue, reducing pain and swelling — all without surgery or implants.

Most patients notice improvement within weeks, with continued progress over time.

Benefits of Genicular Artery Embolization

  • Outpatient procedure — no hospital stay
  • No general anesthesia or large incisions
  • Quick recovery and minimal downtime
  • Immediate or gradual pain relief
  • Improved mobility and quality of life
  • Preserves the option for future knee surgery if ever needed

Why choose Clarity Care for GAE in Kansas City

At Clarity Care, we believe healthcare should be personal and empowering. Our board-certified interventional radiologists are leaders in minimally invasive pain relief and have extensive experience performing GAE for knee osteoarthritis.

We’re committed to being your trusted partner in care — helping you understand every option available and guiding you toward treatments that offer less pain, less risk, and a faster return to the activities you love.

From consultation and diagnosis through recovery, you’ll receive top-level expertise, support, and compassion every step of the way.

Take our quiz to see if you qualify for GAE »

Knee Pain and Genicular Artery Embolization FAQ

The number one root cause of chronic knee pain is age. Wear and tear on knee joints as we age can lead to discomfort and a loss of mobility. Osteoporosis, a condition that weakens bones, and arthritis, which causes joint inflammation, are also leading causes. Additionally, overuse, weight, certain medical conditions, like cancer, and injuries can contribute to chronic knee pain.

If you are considering genicular artery embolization (GAE), there are alternative methods of procedure that you may consider:

  • Alternative 1 » Knee Replacement. This surgical procedure replaces parts of injured knee joints replacing cartilage with high density plastic and capping bones with durable metal.
  • Alternative 2 » Medication. Anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) can take pressure off the knee joints as well as surrounding tissues.
  • Alternative 3 » Joint Injections. Also known as viscosupplementation, joint injections that contain hyaluronic acid can aid in joint lubrication and promote bone and cartilage growth.
  • Alternative 4 » Physical Therapy. Multiple sessions of physical therapy that may include exercises, hands on therapy, or ultrasound, can sometimes be helpful for regaining the ability to walk, stand, and use the stairs.

Insurance coverage for genicular artery embolization (GAE) can vary depending on the specific insurance plan and the policies of the insurance provider. Before undergoing PAE, Clarity Care’s knowledgeable staff can work with you and your insurance company to review coverage details, including preauthorization requirements, necessary documentation, and potential out of pocket costs. Clarity Care also offers financing options that you can learn about here.

Clarity Care Imaging & Specialty Care is at 9040 Quivira Road in Lenexa, Kansas. Our center is conveniently located just north of Oak Park Mall with easy access from much of the Kansas City area including Overland Park, Olathe, Shawnee, Merriam, Mission, Leawood and Prairie Village.

Clarity Care’s subspecialized physicians are board-certified with years of experience in image-guided minimally invasive procedures, offering innovative solutions to a list of conditions and diseases that today can be managed in a convenient, more affordable setting.

Get back to doing what you love!

You don’t have to live with chronic knee pain or commit to major surgery. Discover a better way to find relief with Genicular Artery Embolization at Clarity Care in Kansas City.

Schedule your consultation today to learn how this minimally invasive treatment can help you move freely and live pain-free again.

Do you qualify for GAE? Take our quiz below to find out!