Knee Pain: Non-Surgical Treatments in Recife
Knee pain limits mobility and independence. At Intrador, we focus on preserving your joint and relieving pain with modern treatments like viscosupplementation and radiofrequency, allowing you to return to your activities.
Main Diagnoses of Knee Pain
Osteoarthritis (Gonarthrosis)
Progressive cartilage wear. It is the most common cause in people over 50. Causes mechanical pain, swelling, and progressive deformity.
Patellar Chondromalacia
'Pain in the front of the knee'. Common in young people and runners. Worsens when climbing/descending stairs or sitting for a long time with bent knees (theater sign).
Meniscus Injury
Can be traumatic (sports) or degenerative (age). Causes localized pain, clicking, and sometimes 'locking' of the knee.
Patellar Tendinitis
Inflammation of the tendon below the kneecap. Common in jumping sports ('Jumper's Knee') and running.
Non-Surgical Treatments for the Knee
Many knee surgeries can be avoided or postponed with well-executed conservative treatment. Our approach includes:
Viscosupplementation (Hyaluronic Acid Injection)
Procedure where we inject hyaluronic acid into the joint. It replaces synovial fluid, lubricating the joint and reducing inflammation.
- Indicated for mild to moderate osteoarthritis and chondromalacia
- Improves pain for 6 to 12 months
- Protects remaining cartilage
- Delays disease progression
Genicular Nerve Block (Radiofrequency)
For advanced osteoarthritis or patients who cannot undergo surgery. We use special needles and heat (radiofrequency) to 'turn off' the nerves transmitting knee pain, without affecting skin sensation or movement.
Injections and Acupuncture
Trigger point injections and acupuncture sessions help control acute pain, relax thigh muscles, and facilitate physiotherapy work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Viscosupplementation?
It is the intra-articular injection of hyaluronic acid, a substance that lubricates the joint, reduces friction and inflammation, improving pain and mobility. It is especially indicated for osteoarthritis and chondromalacia.
I have osteoarthritis. Do I need surgery?
Not always. Conservative and minimally invasive treatment (physiotherapy, weight loss, viscosupplementation, genicular nerve blocks) is effective for the vast majority of patients, postponing or avoiding the need for a prosthesis.
What is Patellar Chondromalacia?
It is the softening and wear of the patella (kneecap) cartilage. Very common in young people and women, it causes pain in the front of the knee, especially when climbing stairs or sitting for a long time.
Does knee injection hurt?
The procedure is performed with local anesthesia and, when guided by ultrasound, is fast and causes minimal discomfort, similar to a common injection or blood test.
Schedule Your Evaluation
Do not let knee pain take away your freedom of movement. Schedule a consultation with our specialists.
Aflitos Unit
Av. Conselheiro Rosa e Silva, 1206, Room 706 - Espinheiro, Recife - PE, ZIP 52020-220
+55 (81) 3072-9816Insurance Coverage
Procedures such as hyaluronic acid injection (viscosupplementation) may be covered by your health plan for knee osteoarthritis treatment (according to ANS list). Consult our team.
Clinically Reviewed by:
Dr. Helio Widson Alves Pinheiro
Acupuntura, Medicina da Dor
CRM-PE 21167 | RQE 2217, 2808
This content is informative and does not replace individual medical evaluation.
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Physician specializing in Acupuncture and Pain treatment, and Technical Manager of Intrador's two units. Graduated in Medicine from the Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE) in 2007, he holds a Specialist Title in Acupuncture and a Certificate in Pain, both recognized by the Brazilian Medical Association (AMB).
Note: This content is for educational and informational purposes only. The information is based on scientific evidence and the clinical practice of the Intrador team, but it does not replace individualized medical evaluation. Conduct, indications, and treatments must be defined after medical consultation.
Clinical reviewer: Dr. Helio Widson Alves Pinheiro · Pain Medicine | Acupuncture · CRM/PE 21167 | RQE 2217, 2808
Published on: January 17, 2026
Reviewed on: January 29, 2026
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