{"id":126008,"date":"2026-08-23T20:26:16","date_gmt":"2026-08-24T03:26:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/empirevein.com\/en\/knee-pain\/"},"modified":"2026-09-30T10:02:50","modified_gmt":"2026-09-30T17:02:50","slug":"knee-pain","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/empirevein.com\/en\/knee-pain\/","title":{"rendered":"Knee Pain"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Lasting knee arthritis relief with GAE.<\/span> Skip the knee replacement.<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

When injections or physical therapy stop helping, there's still a next step. Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) is a same-day, nonsurgical procedure that blocks the abnormal blood vessels driving arthritis inflammation \u2014 relief at the source, without surgery or a long recovery.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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Patients report lasting relief<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Meaningful, lasting improvement after GAE<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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GAE procedures performed<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Real experience with this exact procedure, close to home<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t~30 min<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
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Average procedure time<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Through a pinhole in the skin; no incision, no stitches<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\tAs seen on<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\"Grandmother\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/section>\n\n\n
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Your knee pain has a source<\/span>, and GAE treats it.<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

If knee arthritis has you avoiding the stairs, the garden, or your morning walk, there\u2019s a newer option worth knowing about. GAE quiets arthritis pain right at its source, using FDA-cleared technology and no surgery. Empire Vein is the leading GAE provider in the Coachella Valley and Inland Empire.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t<\/linearGradient><\/defs><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\tG<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

Genicular<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

Genicular arteries are the cluster of small arteries that wrap around and supply blood to your knee joint.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\tA<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

Artery<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

In osteoarthritis, these vessels overgrow and inflame the lining of the joint. That inflammation is a major driver of pain.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\tE<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

Embolization<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

We gently reduce that abnormal blood flow, calming inflammation right at its source.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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Procedure time<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

~30 min<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

Start to finish, outpatient<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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Incision & anesthesia<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

Local only<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

Awake, just a pinhole, no cutting<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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Recovery<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

Same day<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

Home that day; light activity in 1\u20132 days<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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Relief<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2+ years<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

Eases over weeks, lasting & repeatable<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Proven & safe<\/p>\n\t

The #1 fastest-growing alternative to knee replacement.<\/h2>\n\t\t\t

Most patients haven't heard of GAE yet, but the research runs deep. More than a dozen clinical studies back it up, including randomized controlled trials. Our own team has performed hundreds of these procedures right here in Southern California.<\/p>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\"A\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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12+<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

Clinical studies, including randomized controlled trials<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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Nothing cut<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

Your natural knee is preserved, not replaced<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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Next day<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

Back to daily activities, with minimal downtime<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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What\u2019s really happening inside your knee<\/span><\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Knee arthritis isn\u2019t only about worn cartilage. There\u2019s a vascular side most people never hear about, and seeing it makes clear why GAE works differently than pills or injections.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tHealthy knee<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tArthritic knee<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
Blood supply<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
A normal, stable network of arteries feeds the joint lining<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
Extra, leaky vessels overgrow around the joint lining<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
Inflammation<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
None, no abnormal vessel growth or swelling<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
Ongoing swelling that fuels the pain cycle<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
Pain nerves<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
Quiet, the joint moves comfortably<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
Over-stimulated, chronic, aching pain<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n
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\"Knee
<\/svg><\/div>Pain source<\/span><\/div>
Before<\/span>

A dense tangle of abnormal vessels feeding the joint<\/p><\/figcaption><\/figure>

\"Knee
<\/svg><\/div>Calmer, treated<\/span><\/div>
After<\/span>

That excess blood flow reduced, and the pain with it<\/p><\/figcaption><\/figure>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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See inside a real patient\u2019s knee<\/span><\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

These are actual angiograms from a real Empire Vein & Vascular patient<\/strong>, not an illustration. On the left, a dense tangle of overgrown vessels crowds the knee. This is the blood supply feeding the inflammation and pain you just read about.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

On the right, after GAE, that excess flow is calmed. Less inflammation means less pain, and your knee itself was never touched.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

The key difference: GAE treats the abnormal blood vessels<\/span> fueling knee pain. Your normal cartilage is left completely intact.<\/strong><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Individual results vary.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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An alternative to knee replacement<\/span><\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

If you\u2019ve been told surgery is your only option, here\u2019s what makes GAE different.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

Preserves your cartilage<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

A knee replacement cuts away bone and cartilage for an artificial joint. GAE removes nothing. Your own knee stays whole, which keeps your future options open.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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Relief begins within days<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

There\u2019s no overnight switch, and that\u2019s normal. GAE calms the abnormal blood flow feeding your arthritis, so the inflammation settles. Most patients feel their knee pain begin to ease within days and keep improving over the weeks that follow.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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Years of lasting relief<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

GAE targets the root cause, not just the symptom. In studies, most patients report significant relief lasting two years or longer. That\u2019s years, not the weeks you\u2019d get from a typical injection. And because nothing is removed or fused, it\u2019s repeatable when needed.<\/strong><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Your procedure, start to finish<\/span><\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Three steps, one outpatient visit, about 30 minutes start to finish, and home the same day.<\/p>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

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01<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

A tiny pinhole<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t

Your physician numbs a small area of your upper thigh, then guides a thin, flexible catheter into the artery through a puncture no bigger than a pinhole. No incision, no stitches.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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02<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

Find the source<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t

Using live X-ray imaging, your physician steers the catheter to the small genicular arteries around your knee. These are the overactive vessels feeding the inflammation.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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03<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

Calm the inflammation<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t

Through the catheter, your physician releases Embosphere\u00ae Microspheres. These tiny gel spheres slow the excess blood flow driving the inflammation, affecting only the overactive vessels. Your knee\u2019s normal circulation keeps working. Most people feel pain easing over the following few weeks.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/section>\n\n\n

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Embosphere\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
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Embosphere\u00ae Microspheres<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

GAE works using Embosphere\u00ae Microspheres: soft gel spheres. Released through the catheter, they settle into the abnormal arteries feeding your knee's inflammation and gently shut them down. Your normal arteries stay intact.<\/strong> Doctors have trusted these same microspheres for decades to treat uterine fibroids, tumors, and internal bleeding.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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2-minute self-check<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

Could GAE help your knee?<\/span><\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Answer five quick questions about your knee pain, and we\u2019ll tell you whether this nonsurgical option could be a fit. It\u2019s not a diagnosis, just a guided first step.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCheck my knee symptoms<\/svg><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

5 QUESTIONS \u00b7 UNDER 2 MINUTES \u00b7 NO SIGN-UPS<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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How does GAE compare?<\/span><\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

See how GAE compares to injections and knee replacement on relief, recovery, and risk.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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<\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div>
\"GAE\"<\/div>
GAE<\/div><\/div>
\"Injections\"<\/div>
Injections<\/div><\/div>
\"Knee<\/div>
Knee Replacement<\/div><\/div>
Minimally invasive<\/div>
<\/svg><\/span><\/div>
<\/svg><\/span><\/div>
<\/svg><\/span><\/div>
Long-term pain relief<\/div>
<\/svg><\/span><\/div>
<\/svg><\/span><\/div>
<\/svg><\/span><\/div>
Preserves knee cartilage<\/div>
<\/svg><\/span><\/div>
<\/svg><\/span><\/div>
<\/svg><\/span><\/div>
Recovery time<\/div>
Days<\/span><\/div>
Days<\/span><\/div>
Months<\/span><\/div>
Requires hospital stay<\/div>
<\/svg><\/span><\/div>
<\/svg><\/span><\/div>
<\/svg><\/span><\/div>
Risk of major complications<\/div>
Low<\/span><\/div>
Low<\/span><\/div>
Higher<\/span><\/div>
Good option if avoiding surgery<\/div>
<\/svg><\/span><\/div>
<\/svg><\/span><\/div>
<\/svg><\/span><\/div>
<\/div>
Schedule<\/svg><\/a><\/div>
Read comparison<\/svg><\/a><\/div>
Read comparison<\/svg><\/a><\/div>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n
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Is GAE right for you?<\/span><\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t

GAE isn\u2019t for everyone, but for the right candidate, it can mean lasting relief without surgery. Here\u2019s who tends to benefit, and what they often feel afterward.<\/p>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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You may be a good fit if\u2026<\/h3>
<\/svg><\/span>You have moderate to severe knee osteoarthritis<\/span><\/div>
<\/svg><\/span>You\u2019re not ready for, or want to avoid, knee replacement surgery<\/span><\/div>
<\/svg><\/span>Pain continues despite injections, medication, or physical therapy<\/span><\/div>
<\/svg><\/span>You want a minimally invasive option with a faster recovery<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>

What patients often notice after<\/h3>
<\/svg><\/span>Reduced knee pain during everyday activities<\/span><\/div>
<\/svg><\/span>Greater ease walking, climbing stairs, and staying active<\/span><\/div>
<\/svg><\/span>Improved mobility and flexibility<\/span><\/div>
<\/svg><\/span>Little to no downtime, with a fast return to your routine<\/span><\/div>
<\/svg><\/span>A chance to delay or avoid future knee surgery<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\tBook a Knee Pain Consultation<\/svg><\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/section>\n\n\n
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Dr.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
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Dr. Pushpinder Sivia<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

President, Empire Vein & Vascular Specialists<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t

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In our surgeon\u2019s words<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Meet the specialist behind your GAE<\/span><\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

\u201cFor the right patient, GAE can mean years of relief without ever stepping into an operating room. Helping people get back to the things they\u2019d given up on, that\u2019s the part of this work I love most.\u201d<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>Board-Certified Vascular Surgeon<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>More than 800 GAE procedures performed<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>Top Physician, Palm Springs Life, 2025 and 2026<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRead Dr. Sivia\u2019s full profile<\/svg><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n
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Free patient guide<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

Skip the Scalpel<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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