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.
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.
Schedule an Appointment with Heart Vascular and Leg Center
Struggling with PAD symptoms? Our specialists at Heart Vascular and Leg Center are here to help. Schedule an appointment today to see if Varithena is the right solution for you.
Hear from our patients about their experiences at Heart Vascular and Leg Center..
I had an ultrasound on my heart on 7-6-21. I felt very comfortable during my ultrasound. A week later on 7-13, Dr Jerry gave me my results via a phone visit. I have been a patient here for 6 years. I don’t have any problems with my heart at the present time, but if any develop, the Heart and Leg Center will find them before they become bigger problems.
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Patricia Ramirez
1 year ago
Have always been totally satisfied with my treatment & experience in dealing with your staff. They are cordial & listen to my concerns, as well as explaining what the treatment is for & what to expect in the end. Would highly recommend anyone with concerns to contact your practice for answers.
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James Adams
1 year ago
The office was well run and very Professional yet, I felt welcomed! My time was just as important to them as their’s and I was in and out as quick as possible. The Dr. was very kind and made sure I understood the importance of what he was explaining to me.
Thank you to the whole Team, you are all amazing!
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Terrie Dasher
1 year ago
I have had the pleasure of being a patient at this office and I will say I have not felt as comfortable and confident as my being followed by the medical professionals in this office. I thoroughly rely on Celina Velazquez to keep my health plan on track and not let things , like an AAA Abdominal Aortic Aneurism, slip through the cracks. They all, from front door to back, are the best in this field and my family and I are very grateful to them for their support in the matter of keeping my body and mind healthy. Thank you all so very much and may you always see your patients as humans! Bless ya!
Best regards,
Tonya Reid
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Tonya Reid
1 year ago
I had a good experience Celina Valenzuela & Noelia and the nurses were really nice and friendly, they answer all my questions and very satisfied with their service I would definitely recommend this office to my friends and family for their care, if I can give more stars I would, I very satisfied with them helping me in this time of need for my health Than you!!
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MARIA
1 year ago
I had a very pleasant experience today at Heart Vascular & Leg. The Staff really cares for their patients. It's always very informative & pleasant. Thank you . I'm so glad that I have Doctors, Nurses & Front office staff that are caring and supportive to my situation. Thank you Soo Much . You allow me to feel comfortable & stress free by being so attentive to my needs. Thank you again ❤️🥰
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MIRI MILLER
1 year ago
I absolutely cannot express how amazing this place is. (This may run long.) So I had an incident in late December with my shoulder that is going to require surgery. After months of back and forth with the workman's comp doctors and insurance the surgery was approved and scheduled for Monday the 13th. During my pre-op appointment last week the ekg showed something weird and the anesthesiologist wanted me to get cleared by a cardiologist. I called the workman's comp doctor's office everyday for a week and a half asking for updates and I got nothing. So yesterday at around 11am HV&LC called me to schedule an appointment. They asked when my surgery was and I told them, "Monday." She was surprised and asked if I could come in same day. I said absolutely whenever you can see me. My appointment was 3pm (awesome of them to squeeze me in.) I went in and got a new ekg and the doctor wanted me to get an echocardiogram but they had 1 tech on vacation and 1 tech sick so there was no one there to do the test. Kimberly, the office manager, came in and asked if I would mind waiting while she tried to figure something out. She had no luck for a bit, but she kept trying. At around 4:45 she told me she had found an echotech that would come in but she was a few hours away coming back to town. She told me she had already talked to the doctor and no matter what time of the night it was he would review my results and authorize my surgery if the results were good. At 7:15 (they close at 6) I showed up and the echotech, Aeramy, was there with someone waiting on the passenger side of her car (she literally came straight there from a road trip.) She performed the test and mentioned how weird it was to do it in normal clothes. 🤣 I also found out she hasn't worked there since Dec. Meaning they literally called every echotech they knew until they found one. After I left Judith sent my test results to the doctor and stayed there to fax the approval over till well after 8. I was approved! It may not seem like a big deal to some, but I've spent a month organizing work, band, recording, shows, and life in general based on the recovery schedule of my surgery being on the 13th. Dr. Hwang, Kim, Sandra, Tannia, Judith, and Aeramy moved heaven and earth to make sure that happened. I'm tearing up now just thinking about it. I've never experienced better customer service from anyone ever. They all deserve recognition and if you have a heart or legs you should use this business. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
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Daniel Thompson
2 years ago
Hospital cardiologist said I need to have surgery after my heart attack. I was stressed out. Selena, NP and Dr Fong assured me we could take care of my heart without surgery. They have given me good care and regular follow-ups to make sure my heart is getting stronger. I can't thank them enough.
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Gerald Jesudason
2 years ago
Great care team they provided me the the best care I could possibly hope to receive. Dr Hwang is the best Cardiologist I have ever had. He never let me down not once. He was always on top of everything and never had me wait to get the care I needed.
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Lisa McGuire
2 years ago
Dr. Nieto is probably one of the most amazing doctors I have ever met. I came to him after another surgeon messed my foot up. He has treated me like I am family. I'm not sure if I've ever met anyone in this profession who's done that. He is still helping me with my foot and I honestly can't thank him enough for his care and attention and treating me and my case with professionalism as well. "Dr. Nieto, I just want to say thank you again, which I know we keep doing over and over, but it's hard not to say thank you when you feel so much gratitude. We are forever in your debt and we consider you our friend! THANKS, Doc!"
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Dannielle Lapham
3 years ago
DR. NIETO is very professional and has great bedside manner with patients. He takes the time to explain the full extent and seriousness of a injury or a other problem. He then explains the best course of treatment for the quickest & best recovery. The follow up appointments are timely. The staff sets appointments to get you quickly if needed. They also make time in their schedule to take care of walk in patients or emergencies. I would highly recommend Dr. Nieto and his staff for all your podiatry needs. Allen E.
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Allen Ennis
3 years ago
I found Dr, Whang to be through and personable. I appreciated that he did not make me feel like he was in a hurry to get to the next patient. He took his time explained to me potentials and procedures. I feel very confident in him to treat me. Thank you
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Chris Nelson
3 years ago
Dr.Hwang is very communicative.
After not feeling well he ordered tests and found I had a urgent medical need and he discovered it and treated me.
He is caring and empathetic as well as thorough! He has even come in personally to explain what the ultrasound was showing.
He explains things in a way I understand and am grateful for his care!!!
Usually I go to LA for care but my mom does not have the level of care in LA that Dr. Hwang offers here.
I recommend him!!!
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Mayra Valenzuela
3 years ago
Dr. Hwang was so energetic and personable. He made me feel like I was a very important patient even though this was the first time I had ever gone to his office. He explained everything that I needed to know and he made sure that I got an appointment the following Monday morning. I went in on a Friday afternoon so he gave me his cell phone number and texted me throughout the weekend to make sure that I was feeling fine. I would give him more stars if I could!
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Lisa Speakman
4 years ago
I have never been in a better practice: Genuine is the best word I can use. Every staff member from the front desk to the doctors care, and their work is great. I had a toothache over the weekend. I called the office, left a message, and within a 1/2 hour, the doctor called, sent prescriptions, then even checked on me. I feel very secure there. This is the best dental practice in Bakersfield!
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michelle cassese
4 years ago
My daughter and I both see Dr. Samarany for a specific genetic heart condition. He is so caring and kind, balanced with knowledge and professionalism that he is a breath of fresh air compared to other physicians here in Bakersfield. I appreciate the rest of the office staff as well, they are always kind and courteous and caring as well. My wait to be seen is never long. There is a snack and coffee server in the lobby to make you more comfortable while you do wait. Overall, my experience with this office and the personnel has been extremely positive. I'd highly recommend you give them a try!
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Julie Gonzales MSW
8 years ago
The staff is very friendly and respectful. They take the time to get to know what's been going on with their patients. Every time I've went to my appointments they made me feel as if they were caring for a family member. They're such caring people would gladly recommend friends and family. Thanks for all you guys do for us.
