KNEE PAIN

FAQs

Table of contents

    Frequently asked questions or FAQs present the answers to some common Q&As. The expert knee pain doctors in Brooklyn and in the Bronx at the Astra Knee Pain Center have compiled this list to help you understand their practice and their techniques for resolving your knee pain. Give them a call to answer your questions and get a consultation as a first step toward pain relief.

    Why Choose the Astra Knee Pain Center for My Knee Treatment?

    The best reason to choose the Astra Knee Pain Center for your knee pain in Brooklyn or the Bronx is their non-surgical treatments. You get personal attention, an accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment, such as genicular artery embolization, to relieve your pain and improve your mobility. It’s a long-lasting treatment that works if it’s right for you.

    The practice has two offices, one in Brooklyn and one in the Bronx, each providing a comfortable, professional environment. The doctors have years of expertise easing knee pain and can help you avoid knee surgery. Book your consultation at the Astra Knee Pain Center, who compiled these frequently asked questions.

    What’s Causing My Knee Pain?

    Knee osteoarthritis or an injury are the most common causes of knee pain.

    Other causes include:

    In these FAQs, the knee pain doctors in Brooklyn and the Bronx at the Astra Knee Pain Center explain how genicular artery embolization addresses these conditions to relieve the pain and limitations.

    What Symptoms Does Knee Osteoarthritis Cause?

    This is common in Q&As. Osteoarthritis of the knee causes pain because it wears down the cartilage that cushions your bones.

    As your bones begin to rub together, you may experience:

    • Instability and locking of the joint
    • Swelling and stiffness
    • Bone-on-bone grinding
    • A limited range of motion in your knee

    For relief of your knee pain and other symptoms, visit the Astra Knee Pain Center in Brooklyn and the Bronx. This practice offers non-surgical treatments, like genicular artery embolization to relieve your pain and restore your mobility.

    When Should I See a Doctor for My Knee Pain?

    Whenever you experience extended knee pain, swelling or stiffness, locking or instability, or other unusual symptoms, seek professional evaluation from an expert knee specialist in Brooklyn or the Bronx.

    Contact the Astra Knee Pain Center for an accurate diagnosis and targeted, non-surgical treatment for your knee pain. Find the answers to all your frequently asked questions.

    What Treatment Options Are Available for My Knee Pain?

    This is one of the most common frequently asked questions. If you’re experiencing knee pain in Brooklyn or the Bronx, you may not want surgery. At the Astra Knee Pain Center, you can get a avoid knee surgery.

    The knee pain specialists in Brooklyn and the Bronx offer non-surgical treatments to relieve knee pain, reduce inflammation and improve mobility.

    Genicular artery embolization is an effective treatment if you qualify, and it compares well to other treatments, such as:

    • Physical therapy
    • PRP or stem c asked questions. ell injections
    • Steroid injections
    • TENS devices
    • Knee surgery
    • Total knee replacement

    What Is Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)?

    GAE is a minimally invasive, non-surgical procedure that relieves your knee pain by targeting the source of the painful inflammation. During the procedure, your knee pain doctor in Brooklyn or the Bronx uses advanced imaging to guide a tiny catheter through the arteries to insert small particles that block the abnormal blood vessels causing your pain.

    This revolutionary treatment delivers long-lasting pain relief. It can help you delay or avoid knee surgery. The knee pain specialists in Brooklyn and in the Bronx at the Astra Knee Pain Center are experts in GAE. Schedule a consultation today for all your Q&As.

    Am I a Good Candidate for GAE?

    These FAQs answer that question.

    You may be a good candidate for genicular artery embolization if you have knee pain from:

    • Osteoarthritis
    • Post-traumatic arthritis
    • Bursitis
    • Chronic inflammatory knee pain not caused by an auto-immune condition
    • Other chronic conditions

    GAE may be suitable for you if you’ve tried conservative treatments without success, including physical therapy, steroid injections and pain medications. Schedule a consultation with your knee pain doctor in Brooklyn or the Bronx at the Astra Knee Pain Center to discover if GAE suits you or if you shouldn’t get it.

    What Are the Benefits of GAE?

    Genicular artery embolization relieves your knee pain and supports better mobility.

    When you have it done by the medical specialists at the Astra Knee Pain Center, its benefits include:

    • Minimally invasive procedure that requires no major surgery or large incisions
    • Few risks and side effects, compared to surgery
    • No structural change from the GAE procedure
    • Long-lasting relief from inflammation
    • A much faster recovery timeline
    • Can be combined with other treatments, like physical therapy, for best results
    • A valid alternative to total knee replacement

    Is GAE a Safer Option for My Knee than a Knee Replacement?

    With genicular artery embolization from the Astra Knee Pain Center, you recover faster and get long-lasting relief without major knee surgery. If you qualify for the procedure, GAE treats your pain without damaging the structure of your joint. So yes, the answer to these FAQs is that GAE is safer in general than a surgical knee replacement.

    Should I Choose GAE Instead of Traditional Knee Surgery?

    Your knee pain doctor in Brooklyn or the Bronx can explain which type of treatment makes the most sense for your knee condition after a thorough evaluation. Sometimes, knee surgery is an option, but it’s not usually suggested as the first option to treat knee pain conditions.

    If your physician at the Astra Knee Pain Center recommends genicular artery embolization, you can avoid knee surgery. GAE reduces or eliminates knee pain while permitting a faster recovery than surgery. But not everyone qualifies for this procedure. Contact the practice to see if you qualify.

    What Is My Recovery Timeline after GAE?

    Since genicular artery embolization is an outpatient procedure, you’re discharged on the same day. You can resume light activities within a day or two. By your second week after the procedure, your knee is pain-free. That’s your general recovery timeline.

    You recover faster from GAE than from traditional knee surgery. You can also expect fewer risks and side effects from a GAE procedure. These frequently asked questions provide you clarity on what to expect from the procedure.

    What Are the Risks and Side Effects of GAE?

    Genicular artery embolization is generally safe, but you may experience some risks or side effects. You can minimize your risks by trusting your procedure to the best knee pain specialists in Brooklyn and the Bronx at the Astra Knee Pain Center.

    The mild risks include:

    • Bruising or soreness at the catheter insertion site
    • Temporary swelling or discomfort in your knee
    • Rare risk of infection or fever
    • Temporary numbness or tingling around your knee

    These Q&As help you understand the potential side effects before undergoing GAE. Because this procedure is minimally invasive, it also offers a faster recovery than traditional surgery.

    How Long Do the Results of GAE Last for My Knee?

    This is one of the Q&As that you may forget to ask, but it’s an important one. While you usually notice relief from your knee pain within a few weeks after genicular artery embolization, the effects last several months to years.

    actors that determine how long your pain relief lasts Include your:

    • Knee condition
    • Overall health
    • Post-procedure care

    Once you’re approved to get GAE, you can expect better results than from other non-surgical treatments. These frequently asked questions help explain the longevity of your GAE results.

    Does My Insurance Cover GAE for Knee Pain?

    Coverage for GAE depends on your specific insurance plan. At the Astra Knee Pain Center, the best knee pain specialists in Brooklyn and the Bronx explain your payment and insurance coverage options. The staff makes sure you know what your out-of-pocket costs will be, based on your specific plan and deductibles.

    How Can I Prevent Knee Pain In My Daily Life?

    You can reduce your risk of knee pain conditions by staying active, maintaining a healthy weight and strengthening your knee muscles. Low-impact exercises like swimming, cycling and walking protect your joints while improving your flexibility. Avoid repetitive strain or overuse that stresses your knees. Use proper form during sports or workouts. For more frequently asked questions like this, contact the Astra Knee Pain Center.

    Can My Knee Pain Improve on Its Own?

    Most people prefer to wait for a knee pain condition to either improve on its own or get worse enough to warrant a trip to the doctor’s office. But when it comes to your knees, don’t take that risk. Make an appointment with the talented knee pain specialists in Brooklyn and the Bronx at the Astra Knee Pain Center.

    How your knee responds depends on what’s causing your pain. If your pain comes from minor strain, it may improve with rest and self-care. If your pain lasts, though, you need a professional evaluation. Some conditions don’t improve with time; they get worse, risking your future mobility.

    Updated on Apr 29, 2026 by Dr. George Bolotin (Knee Pain Specialist) of Astra Knee Pain Center

    Astra Knee Pain Center Brooklyn
    4209 Ave U, Suite A.
    Brooklyn, NY 11234
    (347) 934-9068

    Astra Knee Pain Center Bronx
    869 E Tremont Ave
    Bronx, NY 10460
    (929) 447-4563

    Astra Knee Pain Center Queens
    30-71 Steinway St,
    Astoria, NY 11103
    (929) 486-2201