Knee pain treatment in Staten Island: relief without knee replacement
Knee pain may affect everything: climbing stairs, getting out of a chair, walking through the grocery store. When over-the-counter medications stop working and physical therapy provides only temporary relief, many patients are told their only option is knee replacement surgery.
But for many people, there may be another path. Interventional treatments may significantly reduce knee pain and delay or even avoid surgery. At our Staten Island knee pain clinic, Dr. Kyle Mele offers minimally invasive options for patients dealing with chronic knee pain.
What causes chronic knee pain?
Knee pain may develop from several causes. Osteoarthritis, the gradual breakdown of cartilage in the joint, is one of the more common. Other causes may include:
- Meniscus tears
- Ligament injuries
- Bursitis
- Tendinitis
- Previous injuries that did not heal properly
Identifying what may be causing your knee pain is the first step. Dr. Mele evaluates each patient to understand the source of pain before recommending treatment.
What knee pain treatments are available?
The appropriate treatment for your situation is determined by the doctor after evaluation. Based on your symptoms, imaging, and exam findings, he will recommend the approach that may work for you. Some options may include:
Steroid knee injections
Corticosteroid injections may reduce inflammation inside the joint, providing pain relief that may last weeks to months. This is often a good first step for patients with arthritis.
Genicular nerve block
The genicular nerves transmit pain signals from the knee to the brain. A diagnostic nerve block temporarily numbs these nerves to confirm they may be the source of pain. If effective, longer-lasting treatment can follow.
Genicular nerve radiofrequency ablation
For patients who respond well to nerve blocks, radiofrequency ablation uses heat to interrupt the genicular nerves for a longer period.
Remember, the only way to know which treatment may help is through a proper evaluation with the doctor.
Who is the knee pain doctor in Staten Island?
Dr. Kyle Mele provides knee pain treatment at our Staten Island location. As a board-certified anesthesiologist with interventional pain training, he brings specialized expertise in nerve blocks and ablation procedures that many orthopedic surgeons do not offer.
His approach: diagnose accurately, treat conservatively when possible, and help patients make informed decisions about their care.
Where is the knee pain clinic located?
We are located at 4236 Hylan Blvd in Staten Island, right in the Eltingville Shopping Center. There is free parking, so you do not have to worry about that.
We are open Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 7 PM, which is nice if you need an appointment after work. You can call us at 929-425-0017.
Frequently asked questions
Is this covered by insurance?
Yes, genicular nerve blocks and ablation are typically covered by insurance when medically necessary. We verify your coverage before scheduling treatment so you know what to expect.
How do I know if I am a candidate?
An evaluation determines whether interventional treatment may be appropriate for your specific knee condition. Call 929-425-0017 to schedule.
How long does the procedure take?
Most knee injections and nerve blocks take 30 minutes or less. You can typically go home the same day.
How do I schedule an evaluation?
If knee pain is affecting your quality of life, an evaluation can help determine whether interventional treatment might be appropriate. Call 929-425-0017 to schedule. No referral required.
Dealing with knee pain?
