Get walking within 30 minutes and home in under 2 hours. That’s the kind of result most people with knee arthritis are searching for. Recently, however, there has been a surge in interest in “non-surgical alternatives” to knee replacement—methods such as injections, nerve ablations, and procedures like genicular artery embolization (GAE).
These treatments are marketed as cutting-edge. They can relieve pain, sometimes quickly. But here’s the reality: they’re band-aids. They may reduce symptoms, yet the joint remains structurally damaged. Relief fades, repeat visits stack up, and eventually, many patients are right back where they started.
Let’s break down the most popular alternatives, what they offer, and why Nanoknee™ delivers something fundamentally different: a durable, natural-feeling joint with rapid recovery.
Common Alternatives On The Market
Each of the following options can buy time, but none restores the joint’s structure, function, or long-term durability:
Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)
- A catheter procedure that reduces blood flow to inflamed tissues, easing pain signals
- Best for mild-to-moderate arthritis. Limit: doesn’t rebuild or resurface the joint
Injections
- Steroids: Fast inflammation relief, but wears off in weeks.
- Hyaluronic acid: Temporary lubrication effect; less useful in advanced arthritis.
- PRP/biologics: Aim to quiet inflammation, but evidence and durability vary.
Genicular Nerve Radiofrequency Ablation
Heats and dulls pain-carrying nerves around the knee. Relief may last months before a repeat is needed.
Lifestyle & Rehab Measures
Bracing, physical therapy, weight management, and medications help with symptoms but don’t correct cartilage loss.
The Limits of Knee “Alternatives”
Non-surgical treatments can be helpful in certain situations, like early-stage arthritis, short-term relief while deciding on next steps, or patients not yet candidates for surgery. Alternatives such as injections, ablations, or embolization can temporarily alleviate pain, but the underlying joint damage persists. However, once arthritis progresses to a point where it causes bone-on-bone wear, these approaches lose their effectiveness.
For people who want to return to golf, tennis, hiking—or simply move through daily life without pain—the cycle becomes unsustainable. That’s when a lasting solution, like Nanoknee™, is the clear next step.
What Sets Nanoknee™ Apart
Here’s why you’ll love partnering with us:
- Rapid recovery: Most patients walk within 30 minutes and are discharged home the same day.
- Outpatient procedure: No hospital stay, no rehab center.
- Precision fit: Custom 3D modeling, 3D-printed titanium, and ceramic bearings for a joint that feels natural.
- Muscle-sparing technique: Preserves healthy tissue for stability and strength.
- Proven outcomes: 18,000+ procedures, 30+ years’ experience, and a <1% revision rate.
- Concierge experience: At-home nursing and PT, low-opioid recovery, and multiple locations across CA and TX.
Simply put, we offer a permanent solution that gets you back to your life faster than traditional replacements.
Ready for a Solution That Actually Lasts?
Alternatives like GAE, injections, or nerve ablation can alleviate pain, but they don’t address the underlying cause. Nanoknee™ offers something more: a same-day, outpatient procedure that restores mobility and provides lasting results.
If you’re ready to move beyond temporary fixes and want a joint that feels like you again, we’re here to help. Schedule a consultation today.
