Chronic knee pain can severely impact our quality of life, making everyday tasks like walking, climbing stairs, or simply standing a challenge. If conservative treatments like physical therapy or medications haven’t provided relief, our pain specialist LA often recommends radiofrequency ablation treatments to patients. For more insight into this specialized treatment, here’s a breakdown from our team of experts at Interventional Pain Doctors.
Understanding Radiofrequency Ablation
Radiofrequency ablation, or RFA, is a cutting-edge procedure that targets the sensory nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals from the knee to the brain.
RFA Procedure
During this procedure, a leg pain specialist doctor near me will use a needle to deliver radiofrequency waves to the affected area. The heat generated through these waves desensitizes the genicular nerves of the knee—preventing pain signals from reaching the brain.
Benefits of RFA
- Long-lasting relief: 90% of patients experience 9-12 months of reduced pain.
- Non-surgical: Unlike total knee replacement surgery, RFA is minimally invasive, meaning less downtime and reduced risks.
- Fast and effective: The outpatient procedure is performed quickly, allowing patients to return home the same day.
Who Can Benefit from Radiofrequency Ablation?
RFA may be an effective option for:
- Individuals experiencing chronic knee pain lasting months or years due to conditions like osteoarthritis, neuropathy, or other musculoskeletal disorders.
- Patients who have not found relief through conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, or steroid injections.
- Those who are not candidates for surgery or prefer to avoid it, as RFA provides a safe, minimally invasive alternative for pain management.
To determine if RFA is the right course of treatment, our pain specialist LA performs a diagnostic nerve block with a local anesthetic. If this temporarily relieves pain, the patients may proceed with RFA treatment.
What to Expect After RFA
Recovery from RFA is generally smooth, and most patients resume their normal activities within a few days. Here’s what patients can look forward to post-procedure:
- Pain relief typically begins to set in over 7-10 days as inflammation from the procedure subsides.
- Many patients report significant improvements in knee function, allowing them to return to activities they love.
- With the nerve desensitized, patients can expect relief for up to a year. If the pain return as the nerve regenerates, patients can receive follow-up treatments.
Take the First Step Toward Pain-Free Living
Knee pain doesn’t have to be something patients suffer with for life. At Interventional Pain Doctors, our expert team is dedicated to finding the right non-surgical solution for all patients. Take the first step toward long-term relief by scheduling a personalized consultation with our pain specialist LA today.