Chronic Knee Pain and Osteoarthritis

Chronic Knee Pain and Osteoarthritis

Chronic knee pain is a common issue, but it shouldn’t be ignored. While occasional discomfort can come from overuse or aging, persistent knee pain may be linked to osteoarthritis and underlying vascular inflammation. When excess blood flow fuels inflammation inside the knee joint, pain and stiffness can worsen over time.

Knee pain often develops when joint wear, inflammation, and reduced mobility create a cycle of discomfort that limits daily activity. In many patients, abnormal blood flow to the knee contributes to ongoing swelling and pain. Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) is a modern, image-guided procedure that reduces this excess blood flow, helping decrease inflammation at its source. With improved circulation and reduced irritation, patients frequently experience meaningful pain relief, better mobility, and improved function, all without major surgery. Understanding what’s driving your knee pain is the first step toward effective treatment, and our specialists are here to guide you every step of the way.

At Heart, Vascular & Leg Center, Vinod Kumar, MD, FACC, and his expert team use advanced diagnostic tools to identify the source of your knee pain and offer targeted, minimally invasive treatments. Schedule your consultation today.

Symptoms of Chronic Knee Pain & Osteoarthritis

Chronic knee pain and osteoarthritis often develop gradually and worsen over time as the joint becomes inflamed and the cartilage wears down. Common symptoms include:

  • Persistent Knee Pain
  • Stiffness
  • Swelling or Inflammation
  • Reduced Range of Motion
  • Clicking, Popping, or Grinding
  • Knee Weakness or Instability
  • Pain After Activity
  • Morning Pain or Stiffness
  • Joint Tenderness
  • Worsening Pain with Weather Changes

Recognizing these symptoms early is important, as chronic knee pain and osteoarthritis can be managed more effectively with timely treatment. If knee pain is limiting your daily activities, an evaluation can help identify the underlying cause and guide the right treatment plan.

Causes of Chronic Knee Pain & Osteoarthritis

Chronic knee pain and osteoarthritis can develop from a combination of structural changes, inflammation, and in many cases reduced blood flow to the knee joint. Common causes include:

  • Wear and Tear of the Joint (Degeneration)
  • Past Injuries
  • Repetitive Stress or Overuse
  • Vascular Inflammation
  • Excess Body Weight
  • Muscle Weakness or Imbalance
  • Genetics
  • Autoimmune or Inflammatory Conditions
  • Abnormal Joint Alignment
  • Reduced Blood Flow (PAD or Microvascular Changes)

How Chronic Knee Pain and Osteoarthritis Can Be a Vascular Condition

Many people think knee pain and osteoarthritis are caused only by joint wear and tear, but research shows that vascular inflammation also plays a major role. When the small arteries around the knee become inflamed or develop abnormal blood flow, they send too much blood to the joint lining. This increased flow can irritate the tissues, trigger inflammation, and worsen pain.

Over time, this vascular-driven inflammation can:

  • Intensify osteoarthritis symptoms
  • Increase swelling and stiffness
  • Slow the body’s ability to heal
  • Limit mobility and daily function

For some patients, the pain they attribute to “arthritis” is actually being fueled by poor regulation of blood flow in the genicular arteries, the vessels surrounding the knee.

This connection is why chronic knee pain may not fully improve with traditional treatments like medications, injections, or physical therapy alone. When inflammation is coming from the blood vessels themselves, addressing the vascular component becomes essential.

Schedule an Appointment

Book your appointment with Heart Vascular & Leg Center
today for personalized care and advanced treatment.

Treatments for Chronic Knee Pain

At Heart, Vascular & Leg Center, we offer advanced, minimally invasive options to relieve knee pain and improve mobility. Your personalized treatment plan may include:

  • Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE): A targeted procedure that reduces inflammation by decreasing excess blood flow to the knee joint, offering long-lasting pain relief without major surgery.
  • Activity and Lifestyle Modifications: Guidance to reduce strain on the knee and support joint health.
  • Physical Therapy: Strengthening and mobility exercises to improve stability and function.
  • Medications: Anti-inflammatory or pain-relief options when appropriate.
  • Injections: Steroid or other therapeutic injections to reduce inflammation in select cases.
  • Circulation-Focused Treatments: For patients whose knee pain is worsened by vascular issues.

Most patients experience improved comfort, mobility, and quality of life once the source of inflammation is properly addressed.

Schedule an Appointment

Book your appointment with Heart Vascular & Leg Center
today for personalized care and advanced treatment.

Our Providers

Dr. Vinod Kumar, MD, FACC

Dr. Newton Phuong, MD

Dr. Mark Le, MD

Gerardo Murguia, PA-C

Elsita Mathew, FNP-C

Advanced Vascular Treatments, Trusted Care

Services

5020 Commerce Drive
Bakersfield, CA 93309

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Schedule an Appointment

Book your appointment with Heart Vascular & Leg Center
today for personalized care and advanced treatment.