A Solution For Chronic Joint Pain
Most people have experienced joint pain at some point. For some, the pain is due to arthritis and shows no signs of slowing down. About 1 in 4 adults with arthritis have severe joint pain. The cartilage and bone in a joint wear away with arthritis, causing inflammation, pain, and stiffness. Treating chronic joint pain continues to be a challenge for the medical community. Today, there is a range of medical, surgical, and non-surgical treatment options available. One particular treatment called radiofrequency ablation may be a game-changer.

What is radiofrequency ablation?
Radiofrequency ablation, or RFA, is a process that uses heat to stop the pain in the joint. An electric current warms a small area of nerve tissue to block pain signals to the brain. The waves ablate or burn the nerve endings specifically. This treatment provides long-lasting relief for persons with arthritic joint pain. RFA is a preferred method for joint pain sufferers looking to avoid surgery or strong medication.
How does radiofrequency ablation work?
Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive procedure and lasts approximately 1 hour. The doctor gives the patient anesthesia and then performs a special X-ray called fluoroscopy. A needle is then placed close to the nerve causing the pain. Once the doctor inserts the needle, a current passes through the needle to apply heat to the nerve. After a short check, the patient should be able to leave. A study done in 2018 revealed that this treatment was more effective than steroid injections for knee osteoarthritis.
How does RFA manage your pain?
This process does not treat arthritis joint damage but instead treats the pain. RFA treats conditions in large joints such as the knee or smaller joints like those present in the spine. It dulls the specific joint ache by placing heat on the nerves that are experiencing the pain. The current sent through the needle puts the nerve out of action. The nerves, however, can grow back as the method lasts nearly 6 months.
Possible risks of radiofrequency ablation
This type of treatment is safe and has limited risks. However, the following are risks that can occur, bleeding, possible lack of feeling in the area. After surgery, patients may also experience increased pain and slight uneasiness. More common is swelling at the injection sites, but this goes away with time. The risk with this surgery is minimal and has an easy recovery.
Is radiofrequency ablation effective long-term?
Nearly 70% of persons experience long-term relief. The treatment takes full effect within 1-3 weeks. This pain relief can last for approximately 6 months to 2 years, while for some persons, the pain relief can last indefinitely. However, the nerve can re-grow, and the person may need radiofrequency ablation again. RFA is not recommended for persons who have pacemakers or who are pregnant.
How to choose the best option
If someone has tried numerous treatment options for the pain without success, RFA may be the right choice. The doctor can prescribe personalized treatment plans for each person. This treatment helps with inflammatory arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Ask a doctor to find out if radiofrequency ablation is the right option for chronic pain.
Minimally Invasive, Maximum Results: Robotic Surgery For Joint Replacement
Minnesota Valley Valley Center2025-06-06T19:38:11-05:00May 30th, 2025|
Robotic surgery is making waves in the realm of joint replacement. Get minimally invasive surgery that provides maximum results.
Primal Squats & Tight Hips: Should You Talk To Ortho About Lack Of Flexibility?
Minnesota Valley Valley Center2025-06-06T19:38:18-05:00May 15th, 2025|
Struggling with tight hips and limited squat mobility? Discover how primal squats reveal flexibility issues and how an orthopedic specialist can help.
Healthy Feet, Happy Life: Podiatry Surgeries To Improve Your Well-being
Minnesota Valley Valley Center2025-04-29T12:19:56-05:00April 30th, 2025|
Improving foot health is essential to movement without pain and enjoying everyday activities. Learn the simple but effective podiatry surgeries to relieve long-standing conditions.
More Articles from MVSC
April 15, 2025
Find lasting relief from chronic pain. With minimally invasive solutions, alleviating pain and improving well-being for lasting comfort is possible.
December 16, 2024
Improve your knee function and relieve knee pain with targeted exercises that build muscle and joint strength.
January 30, 2024
There are many options for hip arthritis before surgery. These options include physical activity, lifestyle modifications, and medications.
December 28, 2023
Most doctors prefer to avoid spinal surgery if possible. With epidural spinal injections, patients can experience long-term pain relief.