Chronic knee pain and osteoarthritis often result from both joint wear and vascular inflammation. GAE offers a modern, targeted solution by reducing the abnormal blood flow that drives pain and inflammation. Patients experience meaningful relief, restored movement, and improved function — all without major surgery.
GAE is ideal for patients experiencing chronic knee pain lasting longer than six months who have not found lasting relief from conservative treatments such as medications, injections, or physical therapy.
Common qualifying conditions include:
Knee Osteoarthritis (OA) – Degenerative “wear-and-tear” arthritis that causes cartilage loss and inflammation in the joint.
Chronic Knee Pain Syndrome – Ongoing knee pain not explained by acute injury but related to inflammation, overuse, or vascular congestion.
Postsurgical Knee Pain – Persistent pain following knee replacement or arthroscopic surgery, often due to continued inflammation or synovitis.
Inflammatory Synovitis – Swelling and overgrowth of the synovial membrane that lines the knee joint.
Knee pain from osteoarthritis and related conditions often develops gradually due to a combination of mechanical wear and vascular inflammation:
Cartilage Breakdown:
Over time, the smooth cartilage that cushions the knee joint wears away, causing bones to rub against each other.
Inflammation:
As cartilage deteriorates, the body triggers an inflammatory response — the synovial membrane becomes thickened and overactive, producing excess fluid and inflammatory mediators.
Abnormal Blood Vessel Growth:
Chronic inflammation stimulates the formation of new, fragile blood vessels in and around the joint capsule. These vessels carry pain-sensitive nerves, amplifying discomfort and perpetuating inflammation.
Reduced Circulation and Oxygen Delivery:
As swelling increases, normal blood flow is restricted, causing local ischemia (oxygen deprivation) and further tissue damage.
Patients Who May Benefit from GAE Often Experience:
Aching, throbbing, or burning pain around the knee joint.
Pain that worsens with activity or prolonged standing.
Swelling or stiffness that limits movement.
Tenderness along the inner or outer sides of the knee.
Nighttime pain that interferes with sleep.
Reduced ability to walk, climb stairs, or exercise.
Osteoarthritis is not just a mechanical problem — it’s also a vascular disease at the microscopic level.
The small arteries around the knee (genicular arteries) become hypervascular, meaning they develop an excessive and disorganized network of small vessels that feed inflamed tissue.
These abnormal vessels increase joint pressure, prolong inflammation, and contribute to persistent pain signals.
The result is a chronic loop of inflammation → abnormal blood flow → pain → more inflammation.
GAE directly addresses this vascular loop.
During the procedure, a physician inserts a small catheter into the genicular arteries and precisely delivers tiny embolic particles to block the abnormal vessels supplying the inflamed tissue.
This process reduces excess blood flow, decreases inflammatory activity, and calms pain pathways — allowing the joint to heal naturally and symptoms to subside.
Minimally invasive – Performed through a tiny puncture, with no incision required.
Performed under local anesthesia – No general anesthesia needed.
Outpatient procedure – Allows for a quick recovery and same-day discharge.
Reduces pain, swelling, and stiffness – Targets the root vascular cause of inflammation.
Improves mobility and quality of life – Helps patients return to daily activities comfortably.
Ideal for patients not ready for or unable to undergo knee replacement surgery.
Book your appointment with Heart Vascular & Leg Center
today for personalized care and advanced treatment.
5020 Commerce Drive
Bakersfield, CA 93309
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