A Modern Solution for Chronic Knee Pain: What to Know About Knee Embolization in Van Nuys, CA

Discover Geniculate Artery Embolization in Van Nuys, CA. Learn how an expert knee embolization doctor can help relieve chronic knee pain without surgery. Call (310) 929-0026!

If you’ve been living with chronic knee pain, you already know how quietly it can take over your daily life. It starts small, maybe stiffness in the morning, discomfort while climbing stairs, or that dull ache after sitting too long. Over time, it can become something you constantly think about. Even simple activities like walking the dog or grocery shopping begin to feel like a challenge.

For years, the typical options were limited: pain medications, injections, physical therapy, or eventually surgery. But today, there’s a minimally invasive treatment that’s changing the way patients manage knee pain: Geniculate Artery Embolization (GAE).

Let’s talk about what it is, how it works, and why many people in Van Nuys are turning to an expert knee embolization doctor for relief.

Understanding the Real Cause of Chronic Knee Pain

Most chronic knee pain, especially from osteoarthritis, isn’t just about worn cartilage. There’s another factor at play: inflammation.

Inside the knee joint, tiny blood vessels can become overactive and inflamed. This leads to swelling, increased nerve sensitivity, and persistent pain signals sent to the brain. Even when structural damage is mild, this inflammation can make the discomfort feel severe.

That’s where Geniculate Artery Embolization comes in; it targets the source of inflammation rather than simply masking symptoms.

What Is Geniculate Artery Embolization?

Geniculate Artery Embolization is a minimally invasive procedure designed to reduce chronic knee pain by limiting abnormal blood flow to inflamed areas of the joint.

Instead of surgery, the treatment uses advanced imaging guidance to access tiny arteries around the knee. Through a small catheter, microscopic particles are carefully delivered to reduce excess blood flow. As inflammation decreases, pain often improves significantly.

One of the most reassuring aspects for patients is how gentle the process is compared to traditional orthopedic surgery.

There’s no large incision. No joint replacement. No lengthy hospital stay.

Most people go home the same day.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Knee Embolization?

Not every knee condition requires surgery - and that’s good news. 

Geniculate Artery Embolization Van Nuys, CA is often recommended for patients who:

• Have chronic knee pain from osteoarthritis

• Haven’t found lasting relief from injections or medications

• Want to avoid or delay knee replacement surgery

• They are not ideal candidates for surgery due to age or medical conditions

• Prefer minimally invasive treatment options

Many patients I’ve seen describe feeling stuck between temporary relief and major surgery. GAE offers a middle path, one that feels far less intimidating.

What Happens During the Procedure?

One of the biggest concerns patients have is, “Will it hurt?”

The short answer: Most people find it surprisingly comfortable.

The procedure typically takes one to two hours and involves:

• A small needle entry point, usually in the upper thigh

• Local anesthesia (you remain awake but relaxed)

• Real-time imaging to guide the catheter precisely

• Delivery of tiny embolic particles to targeted arteries

No stitches are required; just a small bandage afterward.

Patients often walk out the same day.

Recovery and Results: What Patients Can Expect

Recovery from Geniculate Artery Embolization is refreshingly simple compared to surgical procedures.

Most patients return to light activities within a day or two. Mild soreness at the insertion site is normal and usually fades quickly.

Pain relief doesn’t always happen overnight. Instead, improvement tends to develop gradually over weeks as inflammation subsides.

Many patients report:

• Reduced swelling

• Increased mobility

• Less reliance on pain medications

• Improved ability to stay active

It’s not uncommon to hear people say they feel like they “got their life back.”

Why Choosing an Expert Knee Embolization Doctor Matters

This procedure is highly specialized. It requires deep expertise in vascular imaging, precision catheter techniques, and careful patient selection.

Working with an experienced interventional specialist ensures:

• Accurate diagnosis of the pain source

• Safe, targeted treatment

• Optimal long-term results

Skill and experience truly make a difference in minimally invasive procedures like this.

A New Chapter in Knee Pain Care

Chronic knee pain can feel isolating, but it doesn’t have to define your future. Medical advances like Geniculate Artery Embolization are helping patients rediscover comfort, movement, and confidence without major surgery.

If you’ve been living with persistent knee discomfort and feel like you’ve run out of options, it may be time to explore a modern, minimally invasive solution.

Ready to take the next step toward lasting knee pain relief? Visit Socal Interventional to learn more about your treatment options and schedule a personalized consultation today.

FAQs

1. How long does Geniculate Artery Embolization last?

Many patients experience long-term relief lasting several years. Results vary depending on arthritis severity and overall joint health.

2. Is knee embolization safer than knee replacement surgery?

Yes. It is minimally invasive, involves no major incisions, and typically has fewer risks and a much faster recovery time compared to surgery.

3. When will I start feeling pain relief after GAE?

Most patients begin noticing improvement within a few weeks, with continued pain reduction over the following months.