The Woodlands, texas

Knee pain treatment in The Woodlands, TX

Knee osteoarthritis pain that hasn't improved with injections, medication, or physical therapy doesn't always mean knee replacement is the next step. At Texas Endovascular in The Woodlands, our board-certified interventional radiologists offer genicular artery embolization (GAE), an outpatient procedure that calms the inflammation behind arthritis pain, with no incision on the knee and no general anesthesia.

Are you a candidate for GAE?(713) 489-6857

Texas Endovascular - The Woodlands

8850 Six Pines Dr Ste 280, The Woodlands, TX 77380
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Office Hours
Monday – Friday: 8am – 5pm
Saturday – Sunday: Closed

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About The woodlands clinic

Knee pain care close to home in The Woodlands

at a glance

Texas Endovascular, and its sister brand Texas Knee Institute, treats knee pain at our clinic in The Woodlands, an outpatient interventional radiology clinic at 8850 Six Pines Drive, Suite 280, The Woodlands, TX 77380, less than half a mile from Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center.

Dr. Ryan Armstrong, a board-certified interventional radiologist, treats knee osteoarthritis pain here with genicular artery embolization (GAE), a minimally invasive option for patients who want to avoid or delay knee replacement.

Why patients choose our Woodlands clinic for knee OA treatment

Care led by a board-certified interventional radiologist
A review of your X-rays or MRI and a clear plan before any procedure
Outpatient GAE with no incision on the knee
Insurance benefits verified and costs explained before your procedure is scheduled
Spanish-speaking team members available

Board-certified interventional radiologist

Meet Dr. Ryan Armstrong

Board-certified in interventional and diagnostic radiology, treating knee pain north of Houston.

For patients in The Woodlands who have been told knee replacement is the next step, Dr. Armstrong reviews whether GAE could ease the pain first and what recovery would look like. Our physicians rotate between clinics, so ask when you call if you would like to see a specific doctor.

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Knee pain treatment in the woodlands

What is genicular artery embolization??

Knee osteoarthritis is the gradual wear of the cartilage that cushions your knee. As it progresses, the joint lining (synovium) becomes inflamed and grows abnormal blood vessels that keep the pain going.

Genicular artery embolization (GAE) is an outpatient, image-guided procedure that reduces blood flow to those abnormal vessels, calming the inflammation and easing pain. It doesn't cut into or replace any part of the knee, and it doesn't rebuild cartilage. Learn more about knee osteoarthritis →

ABOUT KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS

Knee OA symptoms

Knee arthritis usually builds slowly. Common symptoms include:

Pain that gets worse with walking, stairs, or standing
Stiffness in the morning or after sitting
Swelling around the knee
Grinding, clicking, or creaking when you bend the knee
Range of motion loss
Pain that disrupts your sleep

See all knee osteoarthritis symptoms →

Is GAE right for you?

GAE is usually considered when you have:

Knee osteoarthritis confirmed by an exam and X-ray or MRI
Moderate to severe knee pain that hasn't improved with medication, injections, or physical therapy
Mild to moderate arthritis, rather than near-total cartilage loss
A wish to avoid or delay knee replacement, or you are not a candidate for surgery

Sudden, severe knee swelling, redness, warmth, or fever, or being unable to put weight on your leg, can signal an infection or injury rather than arthritis and needs prompt medical care.

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gae treatment

GAE treatment in The Woodlands, Texas

Map the knee arteries. Contrast dye and live X-ray imaging show the small arteries feeding the inflamed knee lining.
Enter through a pinhole. After local numbing, a thin catheter is placed in an artery in the groin or ankle and guided to the knee.
Reduce abnormal blood flow. Microscopic particles are released into the abnormal vessels, while healthy circulation to the knee is preserved.
Walk out the same day. The procedure usually takes one to two hours. Most patients walk within a few hours, go home the same day, and return to typical activities the next day.

Pain relief typically begins within four to six weeks and keeps improving over several months. Learn more about GAE →

Benefits of GAE

Outpatient, home the same day

No incision on the knee and no general anesthesia

Typical activities the next day, with no physical therapy required

Can be repeated if pain returns

How GAE compares with other treatments

Physical therapy and medication: often tried first, and helpful for managing symptoms.
Steroid injections: quick, but relief usually lasts weeks to months.
Knee replacement: a long-term option for advanced arthritis, but it is major surgery with general anesthesia and weeks to months of recovery.
Genicular artery embolization (GAE): outpatient, with local numbing and typical activities the next day. Best suited to mild to moderate arthritis.

In a 2024 study presented at the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) annual meeting, patients' pain scores improved by 71% and quality-of-life scores by 87% one year after GAE.

Are you a candidate for GAE?

Real patient stories

What patients say about Texas Endovascular

Rated 5 stars by hundreds of patients from The Woodlands

My first visit they were all very helpful kind and very polite the doctor took his time to explain things to me in detail I truly appreciate that I wish there is a 10star I will give that 😊

Maryam B.

10/30/2026

I am very pleased with this practice, staff, and doctor. I am new to this practice and look forward to a long and successful relationship.

hiketheball

10/23/2026

The receptionists and staff were very professional, courteous, and friendly. The PA explained the PAE procedure completely and listened to all my concerns.

Gerard S.

9/24/2026

My experience was amazing. Dr. Armstrong is the best he provided excellent service.

Tina H.

9/23/2026
Dr. Anderson, his PA, and technician were wonderful. They were very orofessional and considerate. I would highly recommend them.

Veronica S.

9/01/2026

I had a great experience she was very thorough and accommodating and all my questions where answered.

regina f.

8/29/2026

The office atmosphere was professional, staff and doctor were, friendly, and made my experience comfortable and reassuring.

Waylan R.

8/18/2026

I had an extremely positive experience with Texas Endovascular! The procedures were quick and done with care. The whole staff is amazing and makes you feel very comfortable and informed!

sarah d.

8/13/2026
Very kind and caring staff and I had a great visit! Highly recommended them

Danny C.

8/06/2026

me sentí bien atendido durante mi visita a la clínica

Guillermo A.

7/22/2026

So far I have been treated with the upmost respect. Everyone is so nice and helpful and very patient. Thank you ladies.

mark c.

7/03/2026

I had a very nice visit. The staff were very sweetie and the doctor was much informative. I left with all questions answered. It was a good visit.

Rebecca L.

6/23/2026

Come see us

Visiting The Woodlands clinic

The Woodlands clinic is at 8850 Six Pines Drive, Suite 280, close to Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center and about a mile north of The Woodlands Mall. Patients from Spring, Conroe, Shenandoah, and Oak Ridge North can get knee care without the drive into Houston.

Dr. Armstrong also offers GAE in Sugar Land, and our Houston clinic in Bellaire is another option.

Texas Endovascular - The Woodlands FAQs

Questions about GAE in The Woodlands

Medically reviewed by Ryan Armstrong, M.D. · Updated October 2026

Who performs GAE at The Woodlands clinic?

Dr. Ryan Armstrong, a board-certified interventional radiologist, treats knee pain patients in Sugar Land. Our physicians rotate between clinics, so ask when you call if you would like to see a specific doctor.

Is GAE available at The Woodlands clinic?

Yes. The Woodlands clinic evaluates knee osteoarthritis pain and offers GAE. Your physician reviews your X-rays or MRI and the treatments you've already tried before recommending it.

What is genicular artery embolization (GAE)?

GAE is an outpatient, image-guided procedure for knee osteoarthritis pain. A thin catheter is used to place microscopic particles in the small arteries feeding the inflamed knee lining, which reduces abnormal blood flow and calms the inflammation behind the pain. It does not cut into the knee or rebuild cartilage.

Who is a good candidate for GAE?

Good candidates have knee osteoarthritis confirmed by exam and X-ray or MRI, moderate to severe pain that hasn't improved with medication, injections, or physical therapy, and mild to moderate arthritis rather than near-total cartilage loss. Many want to avoid or delay knee replacement, or are not surgical candidates. Not sure if you're a candidate? Take our short quiz to find out.

How is GAE different from a knee replacement?

Knee replacement is surgery that removes and replaces damaged parts of the joint, with general anesthesia and weeks to months of recovery. GAE is done through a small puncture with local numbing, with no incision on the knee, and most patients go home the same day. GAE treats pain from inflammation; it does not repair the joint itself.

What happens during GAE?

You stay awake with local numbing. Through a small puncture in the groin or ankle, your physician guides a thin catheter to the arteries around the knee using live X-ray imaging, then releases microscopic particles to reduce blood flow to the inflamed lining. The procedure usually takes one to two hours.

What is recovery like after GAE?

Most patients walk within a few hours, go home the same day, and return to typical activities the next day. Physical therapy is not required. Mild bruising or soreness near the puncture site or knee usually fades within a few weeks.

When will I feel results, and how long do they last?

Pain relief typically begins within four to six weeks and keeps improving over several months. In published studies, many patients report relief lasting two years or longer, and GAE can be repeated if pain returns.

Does insurance cover GAE?

Medicare and most major insurance plans cover GAE when it is medically necessary. Our team verifies your benefits, handles prior authorization, and explains what you can expect to pay before your procedure is scheduled.

Do I need a referral?

No. You can schedule a consultation at The Woodlands clinic without a physician referral. Call (713) 489-6857 or request an appointment online, and our team will verify your insurance benefits before your visit.

Where is The Woodlands clinic?

We are at 8850 Six Pines Drive, Suite 280, The Woodlands, TX 77380, about a mile north of The Woodlands Mall. Call (713) 489-6857 for directions.

Additional CONDITIONS WE TREAT

Conditions we treat at The Woodlands clinic

Every condition below is treated the same way, with a catheter guided through a pinhole in the wrist or groin. Not a different specialist for each one.
One specialty, no large incisions, no hospital stay, and most patients return to normal activity within days.

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