GAE Recovery Timeline

When you have genicular artery embolization (GAE) from a reputable knee pain doctor in Brooklyn, you want to know how long your recovery will take. GAE recovery is much shorter than from other pain treatments, since GAE is a non-surgical procedure. While your pain decreases and your mobility improves during the first few days, recovering from GAE may take up to two weeks or more. For expert advice and great results, call the Astra Knee Pain Center, with offices in Brooklyn and in the Bronx.

How Long Is My Recovery from Genicular Artery Embolization?

You can expect significant results in the first few weeks after the procedure. Genicular artery embolization (GAE) is a novel therapy to treat a number of knee pain conditions. 

While there are many causes of knee pain, this non-surgical treatment provides a GAE recovery time that’s much shorter than other pain treatments.

If you’re experiencing chronic knee pain that lasts for several months, you may not need surgery. Visit the expert knee pain doctors in Brooklyn or in the Bronx. Dr. George Bolotin and his team at the Astra Knee Pain Center in Brooklyn and the Bronx rely on advanced methods to treat your knee pain for pain-free mobility.

How Long Until I Can Return to My Daily Routine when Recovering from GAE?

Since GAE is an outpatient, non-invasive procedure, you go home the same day after several hours of observation. But don’t expect to fully resume your daily activities until three days into your GAE recovery. Follow the post-procedure care instructions from your knee pain specialist in Brooklyn or the Bronx for a complete, problem-free recovery.

Tips include:

• Putting ice packs on your knee.Apply ice packs 15-to-20 minutes at a time to reduce any swelling and inflammation.
• Keeping your knee elevated.While resting, place your knee on a pillow so it’s above heart level. This also reduces swelling.
• Taking pain medication as directed. Your knee pain doctor in Brooklyn or the Bronx may recommend over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication to reduce mild pain symptoms.

Your knee pain doctor in Brooklyn or the Bronx recommends resting as much as possible and avoiding excessive movement during the first 24 hours while recovering from GAE. You can continue with light activities the very next day. Avoid strenuous exercises or heavy lifting in the first week.

When Can I Expect to Be Pain-Free After My GAE Procedure?

Pain relief starts during and after the second week of your GAE recovery. At that point, you can expect to feel less pain and experience improved mobility. While you may experience mild discomfort, these symptoms are temporary and will disappear in time.

In the second week, you may also notice:

• Your pain and other symptoms aren’t as intense as in the initial week.
• Any swelling and bruising fades.
• Your inflammation starts to disappear.

Although you may be tempted to fully return to your daily routine during the second week, continue your GAE recovery. Don’t restart your activities too soon to protect your knees and give your body the time it needs to fully heal. Follow your knee pain doctor’s instructions for a complete recovery.

What Are the Long-Term Effects after Recovering from GAE?

Once you’re completely done recovering from GAE, you can expect:

• Long-term pain relief
• Improved mobility in your knee joint
• An improved quality of life
• A delayed need for traditional knee replacement surgery

On your final follow-up appointment with Dr. Bolotin at the Astra Knee Pain Center, this knee pain doctor in Brooklyn provides further instructions, additional medications and the confirmation that you can resume your normal activities.

During this check-up, expect to:

• Have the doctor check your knee and veins
• Talk about your pain levels
• Schedule physical therapy, if appropriate
• Get direction about any remaining activity restrictions, including driving or exercising

Genicular artery embolization has redefined the treatment for knee pain. With 80 percent of patients experiencing symptom relief after GAE recovery, now is the time to contact the Astra Knee Pain Center for a comprehensive evaluation to determine if you’re a candidate for GAE.

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