What Is the Newest Treatment for Knee Pain in 2025?

Knee pain continues to be one of the most common orthopedic complaints among adults—especially those living with osteoarthritis. If you’re dealing with daily discomfort, stiffness, or swelling, you may be wondering: what is the newest treatment for knee pain in 2025?

Fortunately, advances in medical technology are giving patients more options than ever—without jumping straight to knee replacement surgery. One of the most promising developments? A minimally invasive procedure called Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE).

golfer with knee pain

Innovations in Knee Pain Treatment

Let’s take a quick look at some of the latest techniques being used to relieve knee pain in 2025:

🔹 Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections

This regenerative therapy uses a concentration of your own blood’s platelets to promote healing. While promising, results vary and long-term effectiveness is still under review.

🔹 Stem Cell Therapy

Still considered experimental in many settings, stem cell therapy aims to rebuild cartilage. It’s not yet widely available or covered by insurance—and studies are ongoing.

🔹 Radiofrequency Ablation

This treatment uses heat to interrupt pain signals sent from the knee to the brain. It may be effective for some types of chronic knee pain, especially in patients who aren’t surgical candidates.

🔹 Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)

GAE is one of the most exciting advancements for osteoarthritis-related knee pain. It’s non-surgical, minimally invasive, and offers long-term relief for the right candidates. Here’s how it works.

What Is Genicular Artery Embolization?

GAE is a procedure performed by a vascular specialist to target the tiny arteries that supply blood to the inflamed lining of the knee joint. In osteoarthritis, these arteries grow abnormally and contribute to chronic inflammation and pain.

During the procedure:

  • A small catheter is inserted (usually through the wrist or groin)

  • The physician uses imaging to guide it to the genicular arteries

  • Tiny particles are injected to block abnormal blood flow

  • Inflammation is reduced, and pain often improves significantly

Most patients go home the same day and return to light activity in just a couple of days.

Read how Genicular Artery Embolization works and whether you’re a candidate.

Why GAE Is Leading the Way in 2025

GAE isn’t just new—it’s also effective, safe, and increasingly accessible. Here’s why more patients are asking about it:

  • Non-surgical and outpatient

  • Short recovery time

  • No joint replacement required

  • Lasting pain relief (often 12+ months)

  • Preserves the knee joint

  • Covered by some insurance plans

It’s especially helpful for patients in the moderate stages of osteoarthritis—when conservative treatments have failed, but full joint replacement still feels too drastic.

Is GAE Right for You?

You might be a good candidate if:

  • You’ve been diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the knee

  • You still have pain after trying therapy, injections, or medications

  • You want to avoid or delay surgery

  • You’re looking for a long-term treatment without major recovery

Our providers in Cleveland and Atlanta offer GAE evaluations to help you determine the best next step.

The Bottom Line

If you’re searching for the newest treatment for knee pain in 2025, Genicular Artery Embolization should be on your radar. It offers real relief—without the risk, recovery, or commitment of surgery.

Schedule a consultation to find out if GAE is right for you and start walking toward relief.