Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) for Chronic knee Pain Relief

If you’re suffering from persistent knee pain, especially due to osteoarthritis or post-surgical discomfort, radiofrequency ablation (RFA) targeting the genicular nerves may provide the long-lasting relief you need. At The Pain Experts of Arizona, our experienced pain specialists perform this minimally invasive procedure to help patients reduce knee pain, restore mobility, and avoid more invasive surgical treatments.

By precisely targeting the genicular nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals, RFA offers a non-surgical solution to chronic knee pain.

What is Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)?

Radiofrequency ablation is a treatment that uses controlled heat generated by radiofrequency energy to disrupt pain signals from specific nerves. For knee pain, the procedure focuses on the genicular nerves, which transmit pain from the knee joint to the brain.

RFA is an excellent option for patients who have not responded well to medications, physical therapy, or joint injections and are seeking longer-term relief without surgery.

Why is Radiofrequency Ablation Done for Knee Pain?

At our pain clinic, we use RFA to:

• Reduce or eliminate chronic knee pain
• Improve joint function and mobility
• Minimize or eliminate the need for long-term pain medications
• Delay or avoid knee replacement surgery

Each patient receives a thorough evaluation by our specialists to determine if RFA targeting the genicular nerves is the right treatment path.

Conditions Treated by Genicular Nerve Radiofrequency Ablation

The Pain Experts of Arizona use RFA to treat various causes of chronic knee pain, such as:

• Knee osteoarthritis
• Post-surgical knee pain (including after total or partial knee replacement)
• Chronic knee pain not responding to conservative treatments
• Degenerative joint disease of the knee

If you’ve tried other options without success, our clinic may recommend RFA to help you regain comfort and mobility.

Benefits of Genicular Nerve RFA

Patients across Phoenix, Scottsdale, Gilbert, and Mesa choose The Pain Experts of Arizona for RFA because of its numerous advantages:

• Long-Lasting Pain Relief – Relief may last from 6 to 12 months or longer.
• Minimally Invasive Procedure – No incisions, no stitches, and a fast recovery time.
• Reduced Dependence on Medications – RFA targets the source of pain, often reducing the need for daily pain pills or injections.
• Improved Function & Mobility – Reduced knee pain leads to easier movement and improved quality of life.

How Does Radiofrequency Ablation for Knee Pain Work?

Diagnostic Genicular Nerve Block

Before performing RFA, our specialists first perform a diagnostic nerve block. This involves injecting a small amount of anesthetic around the genicular nerves to determine whether these nerves are responsible for your pain.

If you experience significant short-term relief from the block, it confirms that you’re a good candidate for RFA.

The RFA Procedure

• • You’ll lie comfortably on the procedure table as the area around your knee is cleaned and numbed.
  • Using fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance, a specialized needle is precisely positioned near the genicular nerves.
  • A thin electrode is inserted through the needle, and radiofrequency energy is applied to gently heat the nerve.

• • This process interrupts pain signals from reaching the brain.
  • The entire procedure typically takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on how many nerves are targeted.

What to Expect After RFA for Knee Pain

Most patients enjoy a quick recovery:

• Rest for 24 hours – Avoid strenuous activity on the day of the procedure.
• Minimal discomfort – Some swelling or soreness near the injection site is normal and temporary.
• Relief timeline – Some patients feel immediate improvement, while others notice the full effect within 2-3 weeks.
• Repeat treatments – Since nerves may regenerate over time, RFA can be safely repeated every 6 to 12 months if needed.

Risks and Side Effects

RFA is a low-risk procedure, but as with any medical treatment, side effects are possible:

• Mild bruising, soreness, or swelling at the injection site
• Temporary numbness or tingling in the treated area
• A brief increase in knee pain before relief begins
• Rare risks include nerve irritation or infection

Our pain team follows rigorous safety protocols to minimize risks and ensure the best possible outcome.

Is Radiofrequency Ablation Right for Your Knee Pain?

If you’ve tried physical therapy, medications, or even knee injections without long-term success, RFA targeting the genicular nerves may be your next step. Our pain specialists will perform a full evaluation to determine whether this advanced, minimally invasive approach is right for you.

RFA for Knee Pain in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Gilbert, and Mesa

At The Pain Experts of Arizona, we are proud to offer cutting-edge treatment options like genicular nerve RFA to help patients regain mobility and reduce knee pain without surgery.

With a team of board-certified pain specialists and the latest imaging technology, we deliver precise, patient-centered care throughout Phoenix, Scottsdale, Gilbert, and Mesa.

Contact The Pain Experts of Arizona

Call us today at 480-950-9393 to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward feeling better. The Pain Experts of Arizona – Your Partners in Pain Relief and Recovery.

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