Arthritis Awareness Month: understanding arthritis and minimally invasive treatment options

Each May, National Arthritis Awareness Month highlights 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.

This year, May 8–14 marks Osteoarthritis Awareness Week, a time focused on increasing understanding of osteoarthritis (OA), supporting early diagnosis, and highlighting available treatment options.

“Osteoarthritis of the knee is one of the most common forms of arthritis, particularly in people over the age of 40,” says Dr. Pushpinder Sivia, vascular surgeon at Empire Vein & Vascular Specialists. “It develops as cartilage within the joint breaks down over time, leading to pain, stiffness, and inflammation that can affect daily life.”

What Is Arthritis?

Arthritis is a general term for inflammation of the joints. There are more than 100 types, but osteoarthritis is the most common. It occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of bones gradually wears down, reducing the joint’s ability to move smoothly.

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.

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’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—such as corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid (“gel” injections)—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.

“Many patients look for options that may help manage symptoms before considering surgery,” says Dr. Sivia.

A Minimally Invasive Option: Genicular Artery Embolization

Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) is a minimally invasive procedure used to address inflammation associated with knee osteoarthritis.

“GAE targets the small blood vessels that contribute to inflammation in the knee joint,” explains Dr. Sivia.

How GAE Works

GAE 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
• 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.

“GAE allows us to target the underlying inflammation that is driving knee pain,” explains Dr. Sivia.

Advantages Over Surgery and Injections

GAE offers several advantages compared to traditional treatments:

• 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

Increasing Awareness of Treatment Options

Osteoarthritis Awareness Week provides an opportunity to inform patients about the range of treatment approaches available today. In addition to established therapies, newer minimally invasive procedures like GAE are being studied and used in select cases to address symptoms of knee osteoarthritis.

For individuals experiencing persistent knee pain, understanding available options—and discussing them with a qualified specialist—can be an important step in managing the condition.

To arrange a free consultation call 1-800-Kneecare or go to empirevein.com/en/book-online/

Locations in La Quinta, Rancho Mirage, Palm Springs, Ontario, Riverside and Victorville.