How Long Does Genicular Artery Embolization Last?

If you’re considering genicular artery embolization (GAE) for knee pain, you might be wondering how long the results will last. The encouraging news is that many people experience noticeable pain relief within just a few weeks, and research shows that the benefits can extend for several years.

While GAE offers lasting comfort for many, the degree and duration of relief can vary from person to person based on several important factors. These include the stage of your osteoarthritis, your daily activity level, and your overall health.

Knowing what influences the long-term outcome and how to take care of your knee after the procedure can help you make an informed decision.

Factors that influence how long GAE results last:

• Severity of arthritis: People with mild to moderate joint damage may see longer-lasting results than those with advanced degeneration
• Activity level: Staying active without overloading the knee can help extend the benefits
• Post-procedure care: Following medical advice, avoiding high-impact activities, and maintaining a healthy weight can protect the joint
• Combination with other treatments: GAE tends to work best when used alongside therapies like viscosupplementation knee injections or physical therapy

For many adults, GAE provides relief that improves quality of life and allows them to stay mobile and independent without additional surgery.

Why Duration Matters

GAE blocks abnormal blood vessels that contribute to knee inflammation. Unlike knee replacement, which replaces the joint, or viscosupplementation, which lubricates and cushions it, embolization blocks the abnormal blood vessels fueling pain.

Because osteoarthritis is a chronic condition, it’s essential to understand how long the relief will last, allowing you to plan your activities and determine when to consider further treatment.

Research on GAE Longevity

Clinical studies show that the benefits of GAE appear quickly and persist over time. Most patients begin to feel better about two weeks after the procedure. Pain relief becomes significant at one month and peaks around three months.

In one study, approximately 70 percent of patients reported a reduction of at least 50 percent in knee pain. Follow‑up research suggests that these improvements may last up to four years. However, some people may notice a gradual return of discomfort sooner, especially if their arthritis is advanced.

Factors That Influence How Long Relief Lasts

Several factors can affect how durable your results will be:

• Stage of osteoarthritis – People with early to moderate arthritis often experience longer‑lasting relief than those with severe joint damage.
• Overall health and weight – Excess weight increases stress on the knees, potentially shortening the duration of relief. Maintaining a healthy weight supports longer‑term benefits.
• Activity level – Staying active with low‑impact exercise helps maintain joint function. High‑impact activities may hasten the return of pain.
• Adherence to physical therapy – Following a rehabilitation program strengthens surrounding muscles, which can prolong relief.
• Comorbid conditions – Diseases like diabetes or vascular problems may slow healing and affect outcomes.
• Smoking – Nicotine reduces blood flow and impairs healing, possibly shortening the lifespan of the results.

How to Maintain and Extend Pain Relief

There are many ways to help your results last as long as possible:

• Follow your rehabilitation plan. Work with a physical therapist to strengthen the muscles around your knee and improve flexibility.
• Stay active. Engage in low‑impact exercises like swimming, cycling or walking to nourish the joint without excessive stress.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Even modest weight loss can reduce pressure on the knee joints.
• Eat for joint health. An anti‑inflammatory diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and omega‑3 fatty acids supports healing. Consider discussing arthritis supplements with your doctor for additional support.
• Avoid high‑impact activities. Running or jumping can accelerate wear and tear on the joint.
• Use supportive treatments. Injections such as viscosupplementation or platelet‑rich plasma therapy may complement GAE and extend its benefits. A supportive brace like our arthritis knee brace can reduce stress during daily activities.

When Pain Returns: Additional Treatment Options

Some people may need further treatment when the effects of GAE diminish. Options include:

• Repeat embolization – In certain cases, a second GAE procedure may restore pain relief.
• Genicular nerve block – This injection temporarily numbs the nerves supplying the knee and can provide months of relief.
• Viscosupplementation – Gel injections lubricate the joint and relieve pain for six to twelve months.
• Platelet‑rich plasma therapy – Concentrated platelets from your own blood promote tissue healing and may provide longer relief than corticosteroid injections.

Your doctor will help you decide which option is best based on your symptoms and goals. Read more about Genicular Artery Embolization to explore additional considerations.

Comparing GAE Durability to Other Treatments

For people who continue to have knee pain after trying injections like corticosteroids or viscosupplementation, or even after undergoing knee replacement surgery, GAE can be a valuable next step.

Corticosteroid injections typically offer relief for just a few months, while viscosupplementation can provide comfort for six to twelve months. Platelet-rich plasma therapy may last longer, sometimes over a year. A total knee replacement can offer long-term results but involves surgery, hospitalization, and a lengthy recovery.

GAE fits between these options as a minimally invasive procedure that offers longer-lasting relief than injections, with less risk and downtime compared to surgery. It is often used when other conservative treatments have not worked and the goal is to ease inflammation and improve function without immediately turning to another surgical procedure.

Deciding if GAE Is Right for You

Choosing a treatment is a personal decision. If you’re seeking significant, long‑lasting relief without a major operation, GAE may be a strong option. If you have severe osteoarthritis or many bone spurs, knee replacement might be a better long‑term solution. Discuss your goals with a knowledgeable provider to weigh the benefits and risks.

Our team at Arthritis Knee Pain Centers specializes in minimally invasive treatments and can help you navigate your choices. To learn more and see whether GAE fits your lifestyle, schedule a no-charge, no-obligation screening today. We’ll evaluate your knee, review your medical history and develop a plan to help you move comfortably for years to come.