In Collaboration with Pueblo Medical Group
Hospital-based physician • Board-certified • Personalized care
Knee Pain Slowing You Down?
Knee pain can gradually take away the things you enjoy most — walking comfortably, staying active, exercising, climbing stairs, or simply getting through the day without discomfort.
Many people are told their only options are medications, repeated injections, or eventually surgery. While surgery may be the best choice for some patients, others may benefit from additional non-surgical treatment options first.
Our goal is to help identify the cause of your pain, review available treatments, and determine whether a minimally invasive approach may be appropriate for you.
COMMON SYMPTOMS
You May Benefit From Evaluation If You Have:
-
Chronic knee pain lasting months or longer
-
Pain with walking, stairs, or exercise
-
Stiffness after sitting or in the morning
-
Swelling or inflammation around the knee
-
Arthritis pain affecting daily life
-
Difficulty staying active
-
Pain despite injections, therapy, or medications
-
Want to delay or avoid surgery if possible
COMMON CAUSES
What Causes Chronic Knee Pain?
Knee pain can happen for several different reasons. Proper diagnosis matters because treatment depends on the underlying cause.
Common causes include:
Osteoarthritis
Gradual wear of the cartilage within the joint that can lead to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility.
Inflammation
Inflammatory changes in and around the knee can contribute to persistent discomfort and swelling.
Prior Injury
Previous sports injuries, ligament injuries, or meniscus tears may lead to chronic symptoms over time.
Degenerative Changes
As joints age, the supporting cartilage and soft tissues can change, leading to pain with activity.
Overuse
Repetitive stress from work, exercise, or daily activity can aggravate symptoms.
MINIMALLY INVASIVE OPTION
Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)
For selected patients with knee pain related to osteoarthritis and inflammation, Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) may be an option.
GAE is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure performed through a tiny catheter using image guidance. Targeted treatment is delivered to abnormal blood vessels that may contribute to inflammation and pain around the knee.
This approach is designed to reduce pain and improve function in carefully selected patients.
Potential Benefits May Include:
-
No large incision
-
Outpatient treatment
-
Minimal downtime
-
Reduced pain
-
Improved mobility
-
Return to activity sooner than major surgery
-
Not every patient is a candidate, and consultation is important.
WHO MAY BE A CANDIDATE
You may be a candidate for evaluation if you:
-
Have chronic knee pain that has not improved
-
Have arthritis-related symptoms
-
Want to remain active
-
Prefer to explore non-surgical options first
-
Are not ready for knee replacement
-
Want a personalized treatment plan
Why Patients Choose Our Practice
-
Physician-led care from consultation through follow-up
-
Expertise in image-guided minimally invasive procedures
-
Thoughtful candidacy review
-
Honest recommendations based on your goals
-
Modern treatment options
-
Local care in Santa Barbara
Frequently Asked Questions
Is GAE a replacement for knee surgery?
Not always. Some patients still need surgery. Others may benefit from non-surgical treatment first.
How long is recovery?
Many patients return to light activity quickly, though recovery varies.
Will insurance cover treatment?
Coverage varies depending on plan and indication.
Do I need imaging first?
Often yes. X-rays or MRI may help determine candidacy.
How do I know if I qualify?
A consultation, symptom review, and imaging review can help determine whether treatment may be appropriate.