Genicular Artery Embolization Vs. Cortisone Shots

Managing chronic knee pain, especially from conditions like arthritis, involves choosing the proper treatment. Two popular options are Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) and cortisone shots. While both aim to reduce pain and inflammation, they differ in their approach, effectiveness, and duration of relief. Understanding these differences can help you make an informed decision.

What is Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)?

GAE is a minimally invasive procedure designed to reduce inflammation in the knee. Using imaging guidance, a catheter is inserted into the genicular arteries, which supply blood to the knee. Tiny particles are injected through the catheter to block abnormal blood flow to the inflamed tissue. This reduction in blood flow helps to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.

What are Cortisone Shots?

Cortisone shots are injections of corticosteroids directly into the knee joint. They reduce inflammation and suppress the body’s immune response, providing temporary relief from pain and swelling.

GAE vs. Cortisone Shots: A Detailed Comparison

Feature	Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)	Cortisone Shots
Procedure Type	Minimally invasive, performed under imaging guidance	Injection directly into the joint
Mechanism	Blocks blood flow to inflamed areas to reduce inflammation	Suppresses inflammation through corticosteroids
Duration of Relief	Long-lasting, often months to years	Temporary, lasting a few weeks to a few months
Frequency of Treatment	One-time or infrequent	Requires repeat injections for ongoing relief
Side Effects	Minimal, with rare cases of localized discomfort	Potential for joint damage with repeated use
Recovery Time	Minimal downtime, return to activities within days	No downtime, immediate activity resumption
Best For	Moderate-to-severe osteoarthritis seeking long-term relief	Mild-to-moderate pain requiring quick, temporary relief

Are PRP Injections and Cortisone Injections the Same?

PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) injections and corticosteroid shots are not the same, as they differ in composition and purpose. PRP injections use a patient’s blood, enriched with platelets, to promote natural tissue regeneration and long-term healing. Corticosteroid shots deliver synthetic steroids to reduce inflammation and provide temporary pain relief rapidly.

When is GAE a Better Choice?

GAE is ideal for individuals with:

Chronic Knee Pain: Persistent pain not adequately managed by cortisone shots or other non-invasive treatments.
Frequent Swelling: Recurrent or severe swelling that limits mobility.
Moderate-to-Severe Osteoarthritis: A desire to delay or avoid knee replacement surgery.
Preference for Long-Term Relief: Seeking a one-time procedure with extended results compared to the temporary effects of cortisone.

Is GAE the Right Choice for You?

To determine if GAE is the right option, consider the following questions:

Have you tried other treatments like cortisone shots without long-term success?
Are you experiencing moderate-to-severe knee pain or swelling that limits your daily life?
Are you looking for a minimally invasive alternative to knee replacement surgery?
Do you want a treatment with lasting results and minimal downtime?

If you answered “yes” to most of these questions, Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) could be the ideal solution for knee pain and swelling.

Discover the Power of Movement Again with USA Pain Center!

If you’re considering advanced options like Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) or want to learn more about its benefits compared to cortisone shots, the specialists at USA Pain Center are here to guide you. Schedule your consultation today and discover the power of movement again with USA Pain Center.

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Pain is gone thanks to the docs at USA Pain Centers. They were thorough from the very first visit and made sure I understood the procedure before we went through with it. GAE really helped me!

Gerald P.

I cannot express enough gratitude for the care I received at USA Pain Centers. After years of struggling with chronic pain, I had lost hope of finding relief. From the moment I walked in, I felt heard and understood by the compassionate staff.

Jessica M.

After suffering from severe back pain for years, I had tried everything with little to no results. But from my first consultation, I knew I was in good hands. The doctors took the time to really listen and customize a treatment plan just for me.

Michael T.

I came to USA Pain Centers after years of debilitating joint pain that affected my everyday life. I had tried other clinics but never felt like they fully understood my condition. The team here took the time to truly listen to my concerns and worked with me to develop a treatment plan that was effective and manageable. I’m now able to enjoy activities I thought I’d never do again.

Paul R.

The specialists here didn’t just offer quick fixes—they provided comprehensive care tailored to my specific needs. Their honest approach and GAE treatment has made a world of difference.

Tim S.

Genicular Artery Embolization vs. Cortisone Shots