Patients often say the same thing: “I’ve done physical therapy.”, “I’ve tried cortisone.”, “I had the gel shots.”, “And my knee still hurts.”
At Fox Vein & Vascular in Manhattan, we help patients understand why that happens—and whether a more advanced option like Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) may be a better fit.
They do not treat the inflammatory blood supply causing ongoing pain.
GAE
Best for:
persistent arthritis pain
failed injections
moderate to severe inflammation
patients trying to avoid or delay knee replacement
Main advantage:
It targets the source of inflammation, not just joint lubrication.
That’s the difference.
Do Gel Injections Work for Bone-on-Bone Knees?
Sometimes—but often not well enough.
In advanced arthritis, especially bone-on-bone knees, lubrication alone usually isn’t enough to control symptoms long term.
Patients with severe pain often need a treatment that addresses inflammation more directly.
This is where GAE is often considered before knee replacement surgery.
Not every patient is a candidate.
But many patients are surprised to learn surgery isn’t their only next step.
Are Gel Shots Better Than Knee Replacement?
They’re not really competing treatments.
They’re used at different stages.
Gel injections are usually a symptom-management option.
Knee replacement is a structural solution for advanced joint damage.
GAE often sits in the middle:
more effective than temporary injections for the right patient, but without major surgery.
That’s why many patients explore GAE before committing to replacement.
Signs It May Be Time to Move Beyond Gel Injections
You may need a different treatment approach if:
Your gel shots no longer help
Relief only lasts a few weeks
Pain returns quickly after injections
Walking, stairs, and daily activity are getting harder
Your doctor is already discussing knee replacement
At that point, the question usually becomes:
“Do I keep repeating temporary treatments… or address the inflammation directly?”
Why Patients Choose Fox Vein & Vascular
Board-Certified Expertise
David Fox, MD, FACS, RPVI has extensive experience treating chronic joint pain using minimally invasive vascular procedures.
Advanced Imaging Approach
We evaluate the inflammatory side of arthritis—not just the orthopedic side.
That helps identify patients who may benefit from GAE.
Non-Surgical Focus
Our goal is not to rush patients into surgery.
It’s to help you find the right treatment before surgery becomes the only option.
Personalized Treatment Plans
Not every patient needs GAE.
Not every patient benefits from more injections.
We help you understand which option makes the most sense for your knee.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do gel injections last? Results vary, but relief may last several months for some patients. Others experience little improvement.
Are gel injections painful? Most patients tolerate them well. The injection itself is quick and performed in-office.
Can I get GAE after gel injections? Yes. Many patients pursue GAE after gel injections stop working or fail to provide lasting relief.
Does insurance cover gel injections? Coverage depends on your insurance plan and clinical history. Our team can help review options during consultation.
Is GAE better than gel shots? For the right patient, yes—especially when inflammation is the main source of pain and injections are no longer working.
Wow What an incredible experience I have nothing short of a glowing review for this practice To begin I was Read Morevery nervous to have my initial consultation for varicose veins as this kind of stuff makes me pretty uneasy The staff made me feel at ease by explaining how many of these procedures Dr Fox preforms a week Him and his PA Stacey were able to explain the process and procedure in detail while also managing to calm my nerves Crystal who handled insurance approvals and scheduling the procedures was unbelievably accommodating with my tight schedule When I came in for both the EVLT and phlebectomy the staff was so kind and caring even one of the nurses-who always wore a flower in her shirt pocket-offered to hold my hand minutes before being taken into the operating room because she saw how nervous I was I was put to sleep for the - minute procedure so obviously didn't feel a thing I was greeted with a turkey sandwich when I awoke due to needing to fast before the procedure which I thought was a nice touch I felt little to no discomfort after the EVLT and mild to medium discomfort for about a week after phlebectomy Decent bruising for both but is now nearly gone weeks after Highly recommend Dr Fox and his team thank you for making what I thought would be a scary experience into an easy carefree one
I had an amazing experience at Dr Fox's office The staff is nice and helpful They are very organized and Read Moreeverybody is friendly I love the look of the office I didn't have to wait for more than minutes My doctor Dr Jill applied some botox in my face and I am happy with the results I would recommend this to everybody Thank you
I needed to have varicose vein work done on both of my legs during the summer and needed six procedures Read Moreto complete everything I had been putting it off for a few years but my experience at Fox Vein Care put me totally at ease From the very first consultation until the final procedure Dr Fox his entire staff were kind professional and took care of every step of the way The office was very well clean and well prepared in every way The insurance and financial concerns were handled easily and transparently The medical assistants were awesome and helpful with every process from the front desk to prepping to anesthesia and on into the operating room I am completely satisfied with the results and HIGHLY recommend Fox Vein care as a happy customer
I saw Dr Fox last week in his office and I must say I am very impressed and glad I Read Moremade this choice to see him and I was pleased with the results and treatment options The Whole staff is Amazing Crystal Ben Dr Fox Nicole And everyone else
Excellent patient education and care ESP the doctors surgical coordinator I believe her name is Crystal Attentive reassuring Honest Team Read Moreas well as Dr Fox was very knowledgeable and caring with my mom thank you so much
David Fox is the best vascular surgeon ever He helped my father with serious issues and his lovely staff really Read Moretook care of him properly The office is clean and very organized Not only he is amazing in what he does but he is also a caring doctor thank you Fox Vein Care
Dr Fox is excellent at explaining everything that needs to be done during vein procedures His experience and caring nature Read Moreshine through all interactions Crystal is also wonderful She is always helpful caring and efficient
Knee Pain Treatment Shouldn’t End With “Try Another Injection”
If gel shots aren’t giving lasting relief, there may be a better next step.
At Fox Vein & Vascular, we help patients understand whether advanced treatment like GAE can reduce pain, improve mobility, and help avoid knee replacement.
We Accept Most Insurances
We work with most major insurance providers. Contact us to confirm coverage.
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