Learn about knee osteoarthritis and how a minimally invasive procedure called G.A.E. is changing the way doctors treat chronic knee pain. <a href="https://healthyveins.empirevein.com/gae/?utm_source=Patch_riverside&amp;utm_medium=Pr_article&amp;utm_campaign=GAE_EN" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">G.A.E. is covered by most insurance plans.</a>
For millions of Americans, the first sign is the stairs. Now you are taking the elevator, parking closer, gripping the handrail and going one step at a time, or avoiding stairs altogether because the pain is simply too much.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 58 million American adults are living with arthritis. 
"Osteoarthritis of the knee is one of the most common forms of arthritis, particularly in people over the age of 40," says <a href="https://healthyveins.empirevein.com/gae/?utm_source=Patch_riverside&amp;utm_medium=Pr_article&amp;utm_campaign=GAE_EN" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Dr. Pushpinder Sivia, vascular surgeon at Empire Vein &amp; Vascular Specialists</a>. "Over time, the cartilage that cushions the knee joint wears away, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and inflammation that can make everyday activities difficult."
Arthritis in the Hispanic Community
"More than 5 million Hispanic adults in the U.S are living with arthritis, and osteoarthritis is the most common type," says Dr. Sivia. "Research also suggests Hispanic adults are more likely to experience severe joint pain and limitations that interfere with daily life."
Knee osteoarthritis often develops gradually, becoming more common with age. Other risk factors include previous knee injuries, excess body weight, repetitive stress on the joints, family history, and occupations that require frequent kneeling, squatting, climbing, or heavy lifting.
Initial treatment typically includes:
<ul>
<li>Weight management and lifestyle modifications</li>
<li>Physical therapy</li>
<li>Anti-inflammatory medications</li>
<li>Corticosteroid injections</li>
<li>Hyaluronic acid ("gel") injections</li>
</ul>
While these treatments provide relief for many patients, the effects are often temporary and tend to become less effective over time. For patients with more advanced osteoarthritis, knee replacement surgery may be recommended. Although highly effective for many people, surgery requires a longer recovery period and carries the risks of a major operation.
A Gamechanger: Genicular Artery Embolization (G.A.E.)
Genicular Artery Embolization is a minimally invasive procedure that targets one of the root drivers of arthritis pain: inflammation. "G.A.E. targets the small blood vessels that contribute to inflammation in the knee joint," explains Dr. Sivia. "By decreasing inflammation, many appropriate patients experience meaningful improvements in pain and function. G.A.E. has become one of the fastest-growing nonsurgical alternatives to knee replacement in the country."
Dr. Sivia is among the most experienced G.A.E. specialists in California, having personally performed more than 700 of these procedures. 
Unlike injections, whose effects typically fade within weeks or months, published studies show that G.A.E. can deliver relief that lasts for years.
What to Expect During G.A.E.
G.A.E. is an outpatient treatment that takes about 30 minutes &mdash; no hospital stay, no general anesthesia. During the procedure:
<ol>
<li>A tiny pinhole-sized opening is made, usually near the upper thigh.</li>
<li>A thin catheter is guided through the blood vessels using advanced imaging technology.</li>
<li>The catheter is positioned in the small arteries supplying the inflamed lining of the knee.</li>
<li>Tiny particles are delivered to reduce excess blood flow to the inflamed tissue.</li>
</ol>
Patients walk out the same day, and most are back to their normal daily activities almost immediately &mdash; often within a day or two. There is no lengthy rehabilitation and no time away from work or family. 
Am I a Candidate?
If you're suffering from knee arthritis pain, your current treatments aren't working, and you want to avoid knee replacement surgery, you may be a candidate for G.A.E. The first step is simple: come in and get evaluated by a specialist. The team at Empire Vein &amp; Vascular Specialists will review your history, assess your knee, and verify your insurance coverage. 
Learn More
Dr. Sivia explains how G.A.E. works in this&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DNYkVYCuBlT/?hl=en" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">video on Instagram</a>. In another video, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DZa1pWujOhU/?hl=en" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Nurse Specialist Guadalupe Rodarte explains &mdash; in Spanish</a>&mdash; how G.A.E. may help patients suffering from knee osteoarthritis. English and Spanish consultations are available. Consultations with Guadalupe are available at Empire Vein &amp; Vascular Specialists' Riverside location.
To find out whether G.A.E. may be right for you &mdash; and to verify your insurance coverage &mdash; call 1-800-KNEECARE or visit <a href="https://healthyveins.empirevein.com/gae/?utm_source=Patch_riverside&amp;utm_medium=Pr_article&amp;utm_campaign=GAE_EN" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">EmpireVein.com</a>.
Empire Vein &amp; Vascular Specialists serves patients throughout Southern California with locations in Riverside, Ontario, Victorville, Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage, and La Quinta.

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Chronic Knee Pain? A Breakthrough Treatment Is...

Learn about knee osteoarthritis and how a minimally invasive procedure called G.A.E. is changing the way doctors treat chronic knee pain. G.A.E. is...

Chronic Knee Pain? A Breakthrough Treatment Is Offering Relief Without Major Surgery 

Arthritis is one of the most common and disabling chronic conditions in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 58 million American adults are living with arthritis, making it a leading cause of chronic pain and reduced mobility.
&ldquo;Osteoarthritis of the knee is one of the most common forms of arthritis, particularly in people over the age of 40,&rdquo; says <a target="_blank" href="https://empirevein.com/en/our-team/dr-pushpinder-sivia/" rel="noopener nofollow">Dr. Pushpinder Sivia</a>, vascular surgeon at <a target="_blank" href="https://empirevein.com/en/" rel="noopener nofollow">Empire Vein &amp; Vascular Specialists</a>. &ldquo;It develops as cartilage within the joint breaks down over time, leading to pain, stiffness, and inflammation that can affect daily life.&rdquo;
Understanding Knee Osteoarthritis
Knee osteoarthritis develops over time as cartilage deteriorates. Without this protective cushioning, bones begin to rub against each other, contributing to inflammation, pain, and stiffness.&nbsp;The condition often affects adults over 40, as well as individuals with physically demanding jobs or active lifestyles.
Common symptoms include:
Persistent or worsening knee pain
Stiffness, especially after rest or in the morning
Swelling and tenderness around the joint
A grinding sensation or reduced range of motion
Difficulty walking, standing, climbing stairs, or exercising
As the condition progresses, it may limit everyday activities and, in some cases, interfere with a person&rsquo;s ability to work.
Limitations of Traditional Treatments
Initial treatment for knee OA typically includes lifestyle changes, physical therapy, and medications to manage pain and inflammation.
If these approaches are not sufficient, injectable therapies&mdash;such as corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid (&ldquo;gel&rdquo; injections)&mdash;may be used. These treatments can provide temporary relief, though their effects diminish over time.
For more advanced osteoarthritis, knee replacement surgery may be considered. However, surgery involves a longer recovery period and potential risks.
&ldquo;Many patients look for options that may help manage symptoms before considering surgery,&rdquo; says Dr. Sivia.
A Minimally Invasive Option: Genicular Artery Embolization (G.A.E.)
<a target="_blank" href="https://empirevein.com/en/vascular-services/genicular-artery-embolization/" rel="noopener nofollow">Genicular Artery Embolization (G.A.E.)</a> is a minimally invasive procedure used to address inflammation associated with knee osteoarthritis.
&ldquo;G.A.E. targets the small blood vessels that contribute to inflammation in the knee joint,&rdquo; explains Dr. Sivia.
How G.A.E. Works
G.A.E. is performed in an outpatient setting and typically takes less than an hour.
A small, pinhole-sized opening is made, usually in the upper thigh
A thin catheter is guided through the blood vessels using imaging technology
<figure class="float-right"><img src="https://patch.com/img/cdn20/users/27251524/20260622/043830/gae-new-illustration___22163827821.jpg?width=600&amp;width=600&amp;width=600" id="gae-new-illustration___22163505537.jpg" data-image="gae-new-illustration___22163505537.jpg" alt="G.A.E. treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee" srcset="https://patch.com/img/cdn20/users/27251524/20260622/043830/gae-new-illustration___22163827821.jpg?width=600&amp;amp;width=600&amp;amp;width=320 320w, https://patch.com/img/cdn20/users/27251524/20260622/043830/gae-new-illustration___22163827821.jpg?width=600&amp;amp;width=600&amp;amp;width=375 375w, https://patch.com/img/cdn20/users/27251524/20260622/043830/gae-new-illustration___22163827821.jpg?width=600&amp;amp;width=600&amp;amp;width=420 420w, https://patch.com/img/cdn20/users/27251524/20260622/043830/gae-new-illustration___22163827821.jpg?width=600&amp;amp;width=600&amp;amp;width=720 720w, https://patch.com/img/cdn20/users/27251524/20260622/043830/gae-new-illustration___22163827821.jpg?width=600&amp;amp;width=600&amp;amp;width=600 600w" sizes="(max-width: 325px) 320px, (max-width: 375px) 375px, (max-width: 420px) 420px, (max-width: 768px) 720px, 600px"><figcaption>How G.A.E. is done</figcaption></figure>
The catheter is directed to arteries supplying the inflamed joint lining
Tiny particles are released to reduce excess blood flow in these areas
By decreasing blood flow to inflamed tissue, the procedure helps reduce inflammation, which may lead to improvements in pain and joint function.
&ldquo;G.A.E. allows us to target the underlying inflammation that is driving knee pain,&rdquo; explains Dr. Sivia.
Advantages Over Surgery and Injections
Minimally invasive: No large incisions or stitches
Outpatient procedure: Patients typically go home the same day
Faster recovery: Most resume normal activities within days
Reduced reliance on medications or repeated injections
Potential to delay or avoid knee replacement surgery
A Patient&rsquo;s Experience
For Silvia, a 54-year-old truck driver and Zumba instructor, knee osteoarthritis gradually became more limiting. What began as mild discomfort progressed into significant pain in both knees. Over time, she stopped teaching classes, and long hours of driving became increasingly difficult.
Silvia tried multiple treatments, including pain medications, gel injections and even stem cell therapy. Despite these efforts her condition continued to worsen.
Faced with the possibility of undergoing double knee replacement surgery, Silvia began searching for alternatives. She then learned about <a target="_blank" href="https://youtu.be/XbFrLEY_seY?si=6FWhh7T9pkkveqSm" rel="noopener nofollow">G.A.E. at Empire Vein &amp; Vascular Specialists</a> and was treated by Dr. Sivia.
The results, she says, have been life-changing. Silvia describes her life as being &ldquo;given back&rdquo; to her. She has returned to dancing with her husband and is once again able to move freely&mdash;without the constant pain that once limited her daily activities.
For individuals experiencing persistent knee pain, understanding available options&mdash;and discussing them with a qualified specialist&mdash;can be an important step in managing the condition. 
For more information call 1-800-Kneecare or visit&nbsp;<a href="https://empirevein.com/en" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">www.empirevein.com</a>
Empire Vein &amp; Vascular Specialists are located in La Quinta, Rancho Mirage, Palm Springs, Riverside, Ontario and Victorville.

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Otis Services LLC is a professional HVAC contractor dedicated to providing reliable heating and cooling solutions to residents throughout the Coachella Valley and Hi-Desert communities. Based locally, the company focuses on delivering honest, high-quality workmanship for homeowners, rental properties, and specialized spaces like casitas and garages. Whether you need routine maintenance or a complete system upgrade, they are committed to ensuring your home remains comfortable year-round. The company specializes in central air conditioning installation and replacement, as well as the installation of efficient mini-split systems for home offices, workshops, and additions. They offer a comprehensive annual air conditioning maintenance service for $75, which includes a full system inspection, performance check, electrical safety review, condenser cleaning, and a new air filter. This proactive approach helps prevent unexpected breakdowns and keeps HVAC systems running at peak efficiency during the intense desert heat. Customers can expect transparent, upfront pricing and a commitment to getting the job done right the first time. Otis Services LLC makes it easy to get started by offering free estimates on all new installations and providing convenient communication options via phone or text at 760-668-3311.

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