What is knee pain?
Knee pain refers to discomfort or soreness in the knee joint, the area where the thigh and shin bones connect. This can happen for different reasons such as injuries, overuse or certain medical conditions. Knee pain can make walking, running or participating in physical activities challenging. When someone has knee pain they may experience aching, stiffness, swelling or difficulty bending or straightening their knee. In some cases, the pain may come and go, while in others, it may be constant. Various factors, including damage to the ligaments, tendons, or cartilage within the knee joint, can cause knee pain.
Vascular causes of knee pain
While knee pain is not directly related to blood vessels, in some cases, vascular interventional radiology techniques can help with the underlying causes of knee pain. Vascular interventional radiology is a medical specialty that uses image-guided techniques to diagnose and treat problems related to blood vessels. For example, suppose the knee pain is caused by a specific type of blood vessel problem such as artery blockages or abnormal blood flow. In that case, interventional radiologists can perform procedures to open blocked blood vessels and restore normal blood flow.
Treatment
These procedures might involve using special medical devices like balloons or stents to prop open blockages or redirect blood flow. By improving blood flow to the knee joint, vascular interventional radiology procedures can potentially alleviate knee pain, promote healing and improve overall function. However, it’s important to note that not all instances of knee pain require vascular intervention and treatment options will vary depending on the specific cause of the pain. Ultimately, suppose someone with knee pain suspects a vascular issue and has not found relief with other treatments. Suppose someone with knee pain suspects a vascular issue and has not found relief with other treatments. In that case, they can consult with their physician, who may refer them to an interventional radiologist for further evaluation and potential intervention.
