Radiofrequency Ablation for Knee Pain: What to Expect

Persistent knee pain might be due to an injury that isn’t fully healed or wear-and-tear in the joint related to osteoarthritis. In any case, unresolved knee pain can lead to knee instability, stiffness, and other complications. It might be challenging to walk distances or stand for long periods. 

While knee replacement surgery is sometimes unavoidable, many nonsurgical treatments could alleviate your knee pain. Some can also help manage pain after surgery. One such option is radiofrequency ablation. 

Naples Regenerative Institute in Naples, Florida, offers the latest treatments for knee pain, including radiofrequency ablation. Double board-certified pain management expert Glenn M. Flanagan, MD, often suggests radiofrequency ablation as the best option for continued knee pain after knee replacement. 

How radiofrequency ablation reduces knee pain

As many as 40% of adults experience knee pain, and the rates increase with age. If you’re one of them, you might wonder how radiofrequency energy can relieve the pain in your knee, especially if other treatments have failed.

Radiofrequency ablation targets the origin of your knee pain: aggravated nerves. The energy heats and destroys nerve endings in the knee without damaging surrounding tissues. 

The treated nerves can no longer send pain signals to your brain. As a result, you no longer feel pain. You can expect these results to last for around six months before the damaged nerves regenerate. 

What to expect during your treatment

Radiofrequency ablation presents low risk and minimal side effects. Before ablating the nerve, Dr. Flanagan injects a local anesthetic into your knee. If your knee pain subsides after the injection, he’s located the right nerve.

Using imaging technology, Dr. Flanagan guides a needle into the knee joint. Once in place, he transmits radiofrequency energy through the needle to the targeted nerve. The energy painlessly heats the nerve because the local anesthesia has numbed it. 

After radiofrequency ablation, expect to rest for a few days before returning to your activities. While you might feel an initial reduction in pain because of the anesthesia, the actual results of radiofrequency ablation might not become apparent until around 10 days later. 

Alternatives to radiofrequency ablation for knee pain

Radiofrequency ablation isn’t the only option for knee pain. Dr. Flanagan also specializes in: 

Viscosupplementation

Viscosupplementation is an injection therapy for knee pain that lubricates the painful joint. It is Dr. Flanagan’s preferred treatment for knees that haven’t been replaced. 

Multiwave Locked System (MLS) laser therapy

MLS laser therapy, or cold laser therapy, uses light energy to heal tissues in the knee and reduce pain. 

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)

PRP injections use platelets from your blood to restore circulation in the knee and improve healing. 

Bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC)

BMAC is a regenerative therapy that uses platelets, white blood cells, and growth factors from bone marrow to promote healing in a painful joint. 

Explore your options for knee pain

Dr. Flanagan makes personalized knee pain treatment recommendations based on the cause, duration, and severity. He also considers whether you’ve had a knee replacement. To book a consultation, call Naples Regenerative Institute or request an appointment online today.