Knee Pain Treatment in Houston & Katy:

Genicular Artery Embolization

Knee Osteoarthritis Is More Common Than You Think

You’re not alone in this. At Texas I.R., our knee pain specialist in Katy understands that osteoarthritis isn’t just about wear and tear; it’s about how it affects your life. Knee osteoarthritis is one of the leading causes of chronic pain and disability in adults, especially those over 50. It develops gradually as the cartilage in your knee wears down, leading to stiffness, inflammation, and everyday discomfort that can make even simple tasks feel difficult.

Knee pain treatment in Houston and Katy can be effectively treated at Texas Interventional Radiology with Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE), a minimally invasive procedure that provides lasting relief for patients who have failed conservative treatments like physical therapy, medications, and injections but want to avoid knee replacement surgery. Dr. Poyan Rafiei customizes each treatment plan after a comprehensive consultation and review of diagnostic imaging such as X-rays or MRI, performing the same-day outpatient procedure in our Katy office-based lab with most patients returning to normal activities within one to two weeks.

32.5 million U.S. adults are living with osteoarthritis

Half of the population shows OA changes

$137 billion annual economic burden

Knee osteoarthritis contributes to significant mental health strain

What You Need to Know About Osteoarthritis

What is Knee Osteoarthritis

Knee osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition that occurs when the protective cartilage in your knee wears down over time. As this cartilage thins, the bones in your joint begin to rub against each other, triggering inflammation, stiffness, and persistent pain. Osteoarthritis is one of the most common causes of chronic knee pain and a leading reason people seek knee pain treatment.

Common Osteoarthritis Symptoms

Symptoms tend to start slowly and get worse over time, especially without a treatment plan. If you’re experiencing any of the following, it may be time to consult a doctor for knee pain:

Pain during daily activities or after long periods of use
Morning stiffness or stiffness after sitting
Swelling or tenderness in the joint
Clicking or grinding sounds during movement
Limited range of motion
Difficulty standing, walking, or going up and down stairs

Causes & Risk Factors

Osteoarthritis doesn’t happen overnight. It typically develops from a combination of wear and tear and underlying health or lifestyle factors. If any of these common contributors apply to you, it’s worth speaking with an osteoarthritis specialist early to slow progression and protect your mobility.

Age (more common after 45)
Previous knee injuries
Repetitive stress or overuse
Obesity
Family history of arthritis
Sedentary lifestyle
Weak surrounding muscles

What Happens If Osteoarthritis Is Left Untreated

Without proper care, knee osteoarthritis often becomes more painful and limiting. The joint continues to break down, leading to increased inflammation, worsening pain, and even joint deformity. You may find yourself avoiding activities you love or relying on medication just to get through the day. But it doesn’t have to reach that point. With the right non-surgical knee pain treatment, many patients regain movement, reduce pain, and avoid the risks of surgery.

Take the Quiz

Not sure if your symptoms are related to knee osteoarthritis? Our short quiz can help you better understand what’s going on and whether it’s time to see a knee pain specialist. Our quiz is quick, confidential, and built to give you clearer answers and next steps.

A Non-Surgical Alternative to Knee Replacement

Knee pain and inflammation doesn’t just affect your joints. It can disrupt your sleep, limit your mobility, and change the way you show up for your daily life. For many people, osteoarthritis is the reason why. At Texas I.R., Dr. Rafiei works with patients who have been told surgery is the only answer or that there are no options left. We’re here to show you a different path.

Our knee pain clinic in Katy focuses on non-surgical knee pain treatment designed to reduce inflammation, relieve pressure, and improve how you move and feel. If you’re ready for a solution that puts your comfort first, we’re ready to help.

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Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)

A Non-Surgical Knee Pain Treatment Option Near Houston That Works

At Texas I.R. & Interventional Oncology, we offer a modern solution for chronic knee pain caused by osteoarthritis: genicular artery embolization (GAE). This non-surgical knee pain treatment is designed to reduce inflammation, ease joint pain, and help you get back to the activities you love without joint replacement or ongoing medication.

GAE is performed in our comfortable, outpatient knee pain clinic in Katy using advanced, image-guided technology. During the procedure, our interventional radiologist, Dr. Poyan Rafiei, uses a tiny catheter inserted through the wrist or groin to reach the arteries supplying the inflamed knee joint. Microscopic particles are then released to block abnormal blood vessels, contributing to inflammation and pain.

The result: reduced inflammation, less pain, and greater mobility without the long recovery of surgery. Most patients return home the same day and begin feeling relief within weeks. With 85–90% of patients reporting significant improvement, GAE is changing what’s possible for patients in Houston living with knee osteoarthritis.

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Contact Texas IR today to discuss your treatment options.

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Texas I.R. is the Best Option for Knee Pain Treatment in Houston

At Texas I.R. in Katy, we’ve reimagined the knee pain treatment experience for patients in the Houston area who are tired of vague answers, rushed visits, or being told surgery is the only way forward. Our knee pain clinic in Katy is centered around clarity, comfort, and giving you control over your treatment journey. From your first consult to your last follow-up, you’ll get expert care from a doctor for knee pain who listens, explains, and delivers results without pushing you into anything you’re not ready for.

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Over 10,000 Image-Guided Procedures

Our osteoarthritis specialists have performed over 10,000 minimally invasive procedures with a focus on safety and results.

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Outpatient & Comfortable

Get treated in a quiet, modern knee pain clinic near Houston and head home the same day. No hospital stay needed.

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Advanced Precision

Texas I.R.’s osteoarthritis doctor uses real-time imaging to target pain at the source, no guesswork, no unnecessary surgery.

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You’re in Control

We explain every option clearly so you can make the right call for your health and lifestyle.

Find Your Way to Better Health

Texas Interventional Radiology provides innovative genicular artery embolization (GAE) for chronic knee pain to patients throughout the Houston metropolitan area. Our Katy location at 142 Bella Katy Drive is easily accessible to residents of Katy, Sugar Land, Richmond, Fulshear, Cinco Ranch, Cross Creek Ranch, and Seven Meadows, as well as patients from west Houston including the Energy Corridor, Memorial, Galleria area, Spring Valley Village, Bunker Hill Village, and Hunters Creek Village.

If you’re suffering from knee osteoarthritis and want to avoid or delay knee replacement surgery, GAE offers a promising alternative with 70-85% of patients experiencing significant pain relief. This minimally invasive procedure is performed on an outpatient basis with minimal downtime—most patients return to normal activities within one to two weeks.

Active adults throughout the Houston area choose Texas IR for GAE because Dr. Rafiei is one of the few interventional radiologists in the region offering this advanced treatment. Whether you’re a golfer in Sugar Land, a walker in Memorial Park, or simply want to enjoy time with grandchildren without knee pain, GAE can help you return to the activities you love.

Our convenient location off I-10 makes it easy for patients from Katy to downtown Houston to access this life-changing treatment.

Take the First Step Toward Relief

You don’t have to keep living with pain, stiffness, or limited mobility. At Texas I.R. in Katy, TX, we make it easier to get real answers and real relief without surgery, hospital stays, or long recovery times. Whether you’ve just started noticing symptoms or you’ve been told surgery is your only option, we’re here to offer a different path. One that’s built around you. Schedule your consultation today with our knee pain doctor, and let’s talk about what’s next.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a referral to see a knee pain specialist at Texas I.R.?

No referral is required. You can schedule a consultation directly with our knee pain clinic in Katy. No long waitlists or red tape.

What if I’ve already tried physical therapy or been told I need surgery?

If physical therapy, injections, or even stem cells haven’t worked, it doesn’t mean surgery is your only option. Many patients come to us after seeing an orthopedic surgeon or managing pain from bone spurs and rheumatoid arthritis. GAE is a non-surgical knee pain treatment that can relieve pain by targeting inflammation without the risks of a major surgical procedure.

When should I worry about knee pain?

Occasional soreness is common, but if your pain lasts more than a few weeks, disrupts your daily life, or keeps coming back despite rest and medication, it’s time to see an osteoarthritis specialist. Ongoing stiffness, swelling, pain at night, or difficulty walking without discomfort can all signal underlying osteoarthritis or other treatable issues. Early care can help you avoid more invasive procedures later and keep you moving comfortably. At our Katy knee pain clinic, we make it easy to get clear answers and non-surgical relief.

Is knee pain treatment covered by insurance?

In most cases, yes. Medicare and most private insurance plans cover evaluation and non-surgical treatment for chronic knee pain and osteoarthritis. Our team can help you check your benefits in advance so there are no surprises.

How soon will I start to feel better after treatment?

Most patients begin to notice improvement within the first few weeks following genicular artery embolization (GAE), with continued relief building over time as inflammation decreases and mobility returns.

What’s the difference between your approach and a surgical one?

Our knee pain treatments at our Katy clinic are minimally invasive and performed through a tiny pinhole with no incisions, stitches, or overnight hospital stays. That means fewer risks, less downtime, and a quicker return to doing what you love.

Will I need help going home after the procedure?

Yes. While GAE is performed under light sedation and doesn’t require a hospital stay, you’ll need someone to drive you home. Most patients resume normal activities within a week, without the long recovery associated with surgery.

Can GAE reduce the need for medications like opioids or steroid injections?

Yes. One of the most promising outcomes of GAE is its ability to reduce dependency on medications for knee osteoarthritis pain. A 2021 systematic review found that after undergoing GAE, patients showed a 27% decrease in opioid use, a 65% decrease in NSAID use, and a 73% decrease in steroid injection use. This makes GAE an appealing option for those seeking lasting relief without relying on medications that may carry side effects or long-term health risks.