Persistent pain, stiffness, or swelling in your hands and fingers may be linked to osteoarthritis and chronic joint inflammation.
Hand osteoarthritis can make everyday activities like opening a jar, writing, gripping objects, or using your phone difficult.
Persistent pain can affect comfort and function
Reduced mobility may make movement harder
Grip strength may decrease with ongoing pain
Hand pain can make simple activities harder
01
Smooth cartilage cushions the bones and allows easy movement.
02
Damaged valves allow some blood to flow backward.
03
The joint may become inflamed, swollen, and increasingly stiff.
04
Ongoing pressure can lead to swelling, skin changes, and venous ulcers.
Pain while gripping, pinching, or opening containers.
Aching, stiffness, or swelling in the finger joints.
Pain with bending, gripping, or repeated hand use.
Persistent discomfort during movement or weight-bearing.
Difficulty holding or carrying everyday objects.
Hands may feel stiff after waking or resting.
No. Embolization does not regrow cartilage or reverse osteoarthritis.
Its purpose is to reduce abnormal blood flow associated with inflammation, which may help reduce pain and improve function even though the underlying structural changes remain.
Published studies have primarily evaluated osteoarthritis affecting the thumb base and finger joints.
A complete evaluation is needed to confirm whether osteoarthritis is actually causing your pain.
Steroid injections deliver anti-inflammatory medication directly into or around the joint.
Arterial embolization works through the blood vessels, reducing abnormal vascularity associated with chronic inflammation.
Neither treatment repairs lost cartilage.
The arterial access area is numbed before treatment. Patients may feel a brief pinch or pressure during access, but significant discomfort is not expected during the catheter-based procedure.
The procedure does not remove or reconstruct the joint, so it generally does not prevent future orthopedic treatment if surgery becomes necessary.
Results vary. Published studies have reported improvements developing over the weeks and months following treatment rather than immediately.
Hand embolization is an emerging treatment. Early clinical studies have shown encouraging results for osteoarthritis-related pain and function, but the evidence base is still relatively small and larger randomized trials are needed.
Coverage can vary by insurer, diagnosis, and medical-necessity requirements because hand embolization is still an emerging treatment.
HVLC should verify benefits and authorization requirements before treatment is scheduled.
Knee Pain & GAE
Most people with chronic knee or joint pain have quietly learned to live with it. A vascular specialist in Bakersfield explains why that is worth reconsidering this Pain Awareness Month.
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Heart & Vascular Health, PAD & Circulation
September is Vascular Disease Awareness Month and PAD Awareness Month. Here is why that matters specifically for patients in Bakersfield and Kern County, and what a free vascular screening can tell you.
Knee Pain & GAE
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Heart & Vascular Health, PAD & Circulation
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PAD & Circulation
Your Heart Gets a Lot of Attention. Your Leg Arteries Deserve the Same
chronic knee pain management vs treatment what actually helps HVLC Bakersfield
Every February, American Heart Month reminds people to take care of their arteries, watch their cholesterol, check their blood pressure, and protect their cardiovascular health.
Knee Pain & GAE
Pain management and pain treatment are not the same thing. If your knee still hurts after months of coping, here is what a vascular specialist in Bakersfield thinks you should know.
Vein Disease & DVT
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a circulatory system problem that occurs in the deep veins of your legs. Anyone who’s developed any stage of vein disease is at risk for developing this potentially life-threatening condition, but knowing your risks will help you get medical treatment at the first sign of trouble.
PAD & Circulation
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a circulatory system problem that occurs in the deep veins of your legs. Anyone who’s developed any stage of vein disease is at risk for developing this potentially life-threatening condition, but knowing your risks will help you get medical treatment at the first sign of trouble.
PAD & Circulation
If your days involve long hours of sitting at a desk or standing on your feet, your legs may be working overtime to keep blood moving. The good news? You don’t need a gym session—or much time—to support healthy circulation. A few simple stretches, like calf raises and ankle circles, can make a noticeable difference in just minutes.
Knee Pain & GAE
GAE vs. Knee Replacement: Understanding Where Genicular Artery Embolization Fits
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PAD & Circulation
Leg heaviness, cold feet, slow-healing wounds. These are not just signs of aging. A vascular specialist in Bakersfield explains what declining circulation looks like and when to act.
Knee Pain & GAE
Arthritis Is Not Just About Your Joints. Here Is Why Your Blood Vessels Matter Too And most of the conversation this month follows the same familiar path: cartilage breakdown, joint wear, inflammation, medication, physiotherapy, and eventually surgery.
Knee Pain & GAE
Knee replacement surgery is a big decision. Before you commit, here is what most surgeons do not tell you upfront, and what else may be worth trying first in Bakersfield.
Knee Pain & GAE
Being told your knee is bone on bone does not automatically mean surgery is your only option. A vascular specialist in Bakersfield explains what it really means and what else may help.
Knee Pain & GAE
Tried cortisone shots, physio, and injections but your knee pain is still not gone? You may be missing the real source of the problem. Learn about Genicular Artery Embolization, now available in Bakersfield.
Mon - Thu
8am - 6pm
Fri
8am - 5pm
Sat - Sun
Closed
Medicare
Medicare
Most PPOs
Same-day appointments often available
5020 Commerce Dr, Bakersfield, CA 93309
Advanced minimally invasive treatments for knee pain, joint pain poor circulation, vein disease and chronic pain.
Helping patients find relief without major surgery.
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