See If You Qualify for Our Knee OA Research Study
Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common causes of chronic pain and disability in adults. Affecting millions of Americans, knee OA can make everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs, exercising, and enjoying recreational activities increasingly difficult. Fortunately, advances in both regenerative medicine and interventional pain management have expanded treatment options beyond medications and surgery.
At The Denver Spine & Pain Institute, we specialize in comprehensive, evidence-based treatments for knee osteoarthritis, helping patients reduce pain, improve function, and maintain an active lifestyle.
Osteoarthritis is often described as a “wear-and-tear” condition, but the reality is more complex. Knee OA is a disease of the entire joint, involving cartilage, bone, ligaments, synovium, and surrounding muscles. As the condition progresses, the protective cartilage that cushions the knee begins to break down. At the same time, inflammatory and degenerative changes occur throughout the joint, including bone remodeling, osteophyte (bone spur) formation, synovial irritation, and changes in pain-processing pathways.
Patients commonly experience:
Risk factors include aging, obesity, previous knee injury, occupational stress on the joints, and genetic predisposition.
Treatment for knee osteoarthritis at The Denver Spine & Pain Institute is individualized and typically begins with conservative measures. These include:
Exercise remains one of the most effective treatments for knee OA. Strengthening the muscles around the knee improves joint stability, reduces pain, and enhances mobility. Physical therapy programs may incorporate strengthening exercises, aerobic conditioning, balance training, and neuromuscular rehabilitation.
Even modest weight loss can significantly reduce the forces transmitted across the knee joint. Studies have demonstrated meaningful improvements in pain and function when weight loss is combined with exercise.
Topical anti-inflammatory medications and oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may provide symptom relief for many patients. However, long-term use can be limited by gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, or kidney-related side effects.
When conservative therapies fail to provide adequate relief, interventional treatments may be appropriate.
Among the most exciting developments in knee osteoarthritis treatment is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy.
PRP is created by collecting a small sample of a patient’s blood and concentrating the platelets through a specialized centrifugation process. These platelets contain growth factors and bioactive proteins that may help modulate inflammation, support tissue healing, and improve the joint environment.
Unlike corticosteroid injections, which primarily suppress inflammation, PRP aims to address some of the underlying biologic processes involved in osteoarthritis.
A growing body of clinical research suggests that PRP may provide:
Many studies have demonstrated meaningful improvements in pain and function lasting six months to a year or longer in appropriately selected patients.
While PRP is not a cure for osteoarthritis and cannot regenerate an entirely worn-out joint, it has become an increasingly important treatment option for patients seeking to remain active and potentially delay joint replacement surgery.
At Denver Pain Institute, we frequently discuss PRP as part of a comprehensive treatment strategy for patients with mild-to-moderate knee osteoarthritis who want to pursue regenerative treatment options.
Hyaluronic acid (HA), sometimes called viscosupplementation, is a naturally occurring substance found within healthy joint fluid. In osteoarthritis, the concentration and quality of hyaluronic acid decline.
HA injections are designed to improve joint lubrication and cushioning. Some patients experience modest improvements in pain and function following treatment, although results can vary considerably. Benefits may take several weeks to develop and often last several months.
For patients seeking alternatives to corticosteroid injections, hyaluronic acid remains a treatment option that may help delay more invasive interventions.
For patients whose pain remains severe despite conservative treatment, genicular nerve neurolysis offers another innovative option.
The genicular nerves are small sensory nerves that transmit pain signals from the knee joint to the brain. Using advanced image-guided techniques, these nerves can be targeted with radiofrequency technology or injection of neurolytic agents to reduce their ability to transmit pain.
Genicular nerve neurolysis does not alter the structure of the knee itself. Instead, it addresses the pain pathway, often providing substantial relief for patients who:
Many patients experience improved mobility and function following treatment, with relief that may last several months or longer.
See If You Qualify for Our Knee OA Research Study
Researchers continue to investigate new therapies aimed at improving outcomes for patients with knee osteoarthritis. Clinical trials play an essential role in advancing our understanding of these treatments and may provide eligible patients with access to promising investigational therapies.
Denver Pain Institute is currently participating in a SAOL-sponsored clinical research study evaluating an investigational injectable medication for chronic knee pain associated with osteoarthritis.
Individuals may qualify if they:
Qualified participants receive study-related care at no cost and may be compensated for study participation.
If knee osteoarthritis is limiting your activity, affecting your quality of life, or preventing you from doing the things you enjoy, effective treatment options are available.
Whether you’re interested in physical therapy, hyaluronic acid injections, Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP), genicular nerve neurolysis, or participation in a clinical research study, the team at Denver Pain Institute can help develop a personalized treatment plan.
Contact Denver Pain Institute today to schedule a consultation and learn whether PRP therapy or our ongoing osteoarthritis clinical trial may be right for you.
Give us a call today to schedule an appointment with one of our excellent providers at The Denver Spine and Pain Institute. 303-327-5511.
Schedule Now
