For athletes, movement is more than exercise — it’s a way of life. Whether you run, lift, cycle, or compete professionally, your knees play a critical role in every stride, squat, and jump. But over time, the repetitive impact and stress placed on these joints can take a toll, leading to one of the most common causes of pain and limited mobility: knee arthritis.
Knee arthritis doesn’t just affect older adults — it can impact athletes and active individuals of all ages. Fortunately, modern medicine offers new, minimally invasive options that can help manage pain and preserve mobility — including Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE).
Understanding Knee Arthritis in Athletes
Knee arthritis occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the bones wears down, leading to pain, stiffness, and inflammation. Athletes are particularly vulnerable because of repetitive joint strain and previous injuries like meniscus tears or ligament damage. Over time, even mild wear can develop into osteoarthritis, the most common form of knee arthritis.
Common symptoms include:
- Persistent or worsening knee pain
- Swelling and stiffness after activity
- Cracking or grinding sounds (crepitus)
- Reduced flexibility or range of motion
- Pain that worsens with stairs, squats, or running
If left untreated, arthritis can limit performance, shorten athletic careers, and affect daily life.
Why Athletes Are Prone to Arthritis
While staying active is beneficial for overall health, years of high-impact training can accelerate joint wear. Sports like basketball, soccer, running, and weightlifting place constant stress on the knees. Previous injuries, such as ACL or cartilage tears, also increase the risk of developing arthritis later in life.
But the solution doesn’t have to mean surgery or long recovery periods.
What Is Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)?
Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) is an innovative, non-surgical treatment for knee pain caused by osteoarthritis. Instead of cutting or replacing the joint, GAE targets the inflammation responsible for pain.
During the procedure, an interventional radiologist inserts a thin catheter into a small artery (usually in the leg) and guides it to the genicular arteries — the vessels supplying blood to the inflamed knee lining. Tiny microscopic particles are then released to block these vessels, reducing inflammation and pain.
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, involves no hospital stay, and typically allows patients to resume normal activity within days.
Why Athletes Choose GAE
For athletes, GAE offers several advantages over traditional surgery or joint replacement:
- No incisions or stitches
- Minimal downtime — most patients return to light activity within a few days
- Long-lasting pain relief
- Preserves the natural knee joint
- No general anesthesia required
By reducing inflammation, GAE helps restore mobility and comfort — allowing athletes to get back to training, competition, and daily life without major interruptions.
Stay in the Game Without Surgery
Knee arthritis doesn’t have to mean the end of your active lifestyle. If you’re struggling with knee pain that limits your performance, Genicular Artery Embolization may be the solution you’ve been looking for.
