Osteoarthritis Knee Treatment in Flint, MI

Understand Your Condition and Explore Non-Surgical Pain Relief Options

Struggling with chronic knee pain that won’t go away? You may be dealing with osteoarthritis—the most common cause of long-term knee pain in adults. At the Vascular Institute of Michigan in Flint, our experienced team helps patients find real relief without relying on surgery. Whether you’re just beginning to notice stiffness or have been told a knee replacement is your next step, we’re here to guide you toward solutions that work for your body and lifestyle.

What Is Osteoarthritis of the Knee?

Knee osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition that occurs when the protective cartilage in your knee begins to wear away. As the cartilage thins, bones start to rub together, which leads to inflammation, stiffness, and pain. Over time, this can affect your ability to walk, climb stairs, or enjoy your usual activities.

Although it’s more common with age, osteoarthritis can affect adults of all ages—especially those with past injuries, excess weight, or family history of joint problems.

Osteoarthritis

Common Symptoms of Osteoarthritis

Patients with knee osteoarthritis may experience:

  • Persistent or aching knee pain
  • Morning stiffness or discomfort after resting
  • Swelling around the knee joint
  • Clicking, grinding, or popping sounds
  • Difficulty bending or straightening the knee
  • Weakness or instability while walking

Symptoms typically develop gradually, but can worsen over time without proper care.

How Is Osteoarthritis Diagnosed?

A thorough diagnosis often includes:

Physical exam:

Your provider will check for swelling, tenderness, reduced range of motion, and joint instability.

X-Rays:

X-rays are the most common tool for identifying osteoarthritis. They can reveal joint space narrowing, bone spurs, and other signs of cartilage loss. In some cases, MRI or CT scans may be used for a closer look.

Patient History:

Your daily activities, lifestyle, past injuries, and family background all provide important context to shape your treatment plan.

Osteoarthritis

What Are the Treatment Options for Knee Osteoarthritis?

At VIM, our goal is to treat the root cause of pain—not just mask the symptoms. Based on your condition, we may recommend one or more of the following:

1. Lifestyle Modifications & Physical Therapy

  • Low-impact exercise (walking, biking, swimming)
  • Weight loss to reduce stress on joints
  • Targeted stretching and strengthening

2. Medications & Injections

  • NSAIDs for pain relief
  • Steroid injections to reduce inflammation
  • Hyaluronic acid (viscosupplementation) for lubrication

3. Minimally Invasive Treatments

For many patients, a non-surgical procedure like Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) can provide lasting relief by treating inflammation directly at its source.

4. Surgical Options

Total knee replacement may be recommended for advanced cases, though it requires significant recovery and may not be suitable for everyone.

What If Conservative Treatments Haven’t Worked?

If you’ve already tried medications, therapy, and injections but are still living with pain, you’re not alone. Many patients come to us after exhausting these options, often told that knee replacement is their only path forward.

Fortunately, there’s another solution: Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE). This outpatient procedure reduces pain by addressing inflammation inside the knee. It’s safe, effective, and doesn’t require any surgical incisions or hospital stay.

Are You a Candidate for a Genicular Artery Embolization?

Answer the following questions to see if you may be a candidate for minimally-invasive Genicular Artery Embolization procedure.

Do you experience knee pain?

In the Past 48 hours,

How would you describe the pain in your knee?

In the Past 48 hours,

How much stiffness have you had in your knee?

In the Past 48 hours,

How much of an effect has your knee had on physical activity?

You May Qualify for a Minimally Invasive Genicular Artery Embolization.

Thanks for taking the quiz. Your responses indicate you may be a candidate for a minimally invasive GAE procedure (Genicular Artery Embolization) and you should be scheduled for a consultation with one of our doctors or nurse practitioners at VIP. Please leave your information, and someone from our office will be calling you within 24 hours to follow up with some additional information and to see if you should come in for a consultation.

Best time to call? *
Can we text you about your request? *
We’ll only use your number for relevant updates and appointment coordination

When to See a Knee Pain Doctor

You don’t have to wait for the pain to become unbearable. You should schedule a consultation if:

  • Your knee pain is affecting your daily life
  • You’ve been diagnosed with osteoarthritis, but aren’t ready for surgery
  • You’re no longer getting relief from injections or physical therapy
  • You want to explore non-surgical treatment options

At VIM, our knee pain doctors specialize in advanced, minimally invasive solutions that restore comfort and mobility without the downtime of surgery.

Why Choose VIM for Osteoarthritis Knee Treatment in Flint?

  • Board-certified vascular and interventional specialists
  • Advanced, non-surgical treatment options
  • On-site diagnostics and personalized treatment plans
  • No large incisions or general anesthesia
  • Convenient outpatient clinic so you can go home the same day

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