Kick Knee Pain to the Curb: Proven Treatment Options for Chronic Knee Pain at Prospero Vascular in the East Bay

Stop Letting Knee Pain Rain on Your Parade

You know what they say: life is too short to sit around, especially when you’re in the East Bay, where everything seems to be a reason to move—hiking, biking, chasing after the kids, or walking your dog through the beautiful parks. But then there’s that pesky thing that stops you in your tracks: chronic knee pain.

If your knees have started to sound like a creaky door or feel like they’ve joined the “I’m Too Tired to Move” club, it’s time to take a good hard look at what’s going on. Whether it’s from a past injury, overuse, or just plain wear and tear, chronic knee pain can have a way of making even the simplest of tasks seem like a marathon. You want to get back to the good stuff—trips to the Farmer’s Market, runs along the Bay, or just being able to get out of bed without feeling like you’re auditioning for a new action movie called The Walking Dead.

If your knees have been giving you trouble, don’t ignore the signs! It’s time to get urgent care and schedule a medical diagnosis. Let’s dive into what might be going on with your knees and what we can do at Prospero Vascular to help you kick that chronic knee pain to the curb.

What’s Behind Chronic Knee Pain? Is It Just the Price of Getting Older?

Sure, we all like to joke about getting older—about how our knees make more noise than a jazz band and how climbing a flight of stairs feels like preparing for a marathon. But chronic knee pain isn’t just a “part of aging”—it’s your body’s way of sending you an invitation to make a change. And no, the invitation doesn’t come with a plus-one.
Chronic knee pain can be caused by several things, but the most common culprits are:

• Osteoarthritis: Basically, your knee’s cartilage gets tired of working, so it starts to wear down, leaving the bones to rub together like an overzealous couple in the kitchen. Not pretty, and definitely not comfortable.
• Meniscus Tears: You know that cushiony part of your knee that’s supposed to help with the whole “walking” thing? When it tears, things go from “oh, that’s annoying” to “I can barely move.”
• Ligament Injuries: If you’ve ever heard of an ACL tear, you know that your knee might not exactly feel up to the challenge of doing anything besides sitting in one place after one of these injuries.
• Patellar Tendonitis: When the tendon that connects your kneecap to your shinbone gets irritated, it can make basic movements feel like you’re trying to run through mud.
• Bursitis: If the little fluid-filled sacs around your knees (called bursae) get inflamed, they can cause swelling and pain. It’s like your knees are holding a little grudge.
No matter what’s causing your chronic knee pain, one thing’s for sure: your knees are trying to tell you something. So let’s listen up.

Symptoms: When Your Knees Are Speaking, Are You Listening?

Chronic knee pain doesn’t just show up and disappear. If you’ve been dealing with chronic knee pain for weeks, months, or even years, it’s time to take it seriously. Here’s how to tell if your knees are trying to get your attention:

• Persistent pain: When your chronic knee pain sticks around even after rest and feels like that uninvited guest at your party, it might be chronic.
• Stiffness: If your knee feels like it’s made of wood every time you try to move, it’s a sign something’s off.
• Swelling: Puffy knees? Not cute. Not comfortable either.
• Instability: If your knee feels like it might buckle when you put weight on it, that’s not just your imagination.
• Popping or cracking sounds: If your knees are sounding like a bag of popcorn, it’s time to take a closer look.
If any of these sound familiar, it’s time to get a medical diagnosis. Chronic knee pain doesn’t just go away on its own. Left untreated, it can lead to worse damage and even permanent loss of function. And that’s one “slow-moving train” you don’t want to be riding.

Fears of Chronic Knee Pain: It’s Not Just About Walking

Here’s where it gets real. Living with chronic knee pain can be terrifying—not because of the pain itself, but because of what it might mean for your future. Let’s face it, when your knees hurt, there’s that looming fear of losing your mobility and independence.

What happens if your knees can no longer keep up with you? You stop being able to take that walk around Lake Merritt, or you can’t even chase after your dog anymore (which, frankly, should be considered a crime). Chronic knee pain can seriously interfere with your lifestyle, and we’re not talking about the inconvenience of missing a yoga class—we’re talking about your ability to get around, do what you love, and even take care of yourself.

And then there’s the surgery fear—a lot of people imagine their only option is a giant scar and a few months on the couch. But the truth is, surgery isn’t always necessary, and modern medicine has made amazing advances in minimally invasive treatments that will have you feeling like a new person without all the recovery time.

So, what’s the secret? It’s all about early treatment. The earlier you tackle chronic knee pain, the more likely you are to avoid that “knee replacement” conversation. Treatment is a must!

Why Treatment Is a Must: Don’t Wait for Things to Get Worse

Ignoring your chronic knee pain is a little like ignoring your car’s “check engine” light: it may seem fine for a while, but eventually, things will get ugly. In the case of chronic knee pain, you might eventually face permanent joint damage, which could leave you with no choice but surgery.

It’s important to recognize that chronic knee pain doesn’t get better on its own. In fact, without treatment, things often get worse. Getting urgent care as soon as you notice chronic knee pain will help you avoid more complicated issues later. Don’t let pain hold you back from enjoying life. There are treatment options that can get you back to doing what you love!

Treatment Options for Chronic Knee Pain at Prospero Vascular: Get Back on Your Feet

At Prospero Vascular, we specialize in innovative, minimally invasive treatments for chronic knee pain that get results. Some of these include-

Interventional Radiology for Chronic Knee Pain

Living with chronic knee pain—especially from osteoarthritis—can make everyday activities feel like a struggle. For those seeking alternatives to surgery or long-term medications, Interventional Radiology (IR) provides a breakthrough path to relief. These image-guided, minimally invasive procedures target the root of the pain with precision, allowing for faster recovery and lasting results.

Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)

GAE is a cutting-edge treatment specifically for osteoarthritis-related knee pain. This procedure works by blocking the small blood vessels (genicular arteries) that feed areas of chronic inflammation in the knee joint. By reducing this excess blood flow, GAE minimizes swelling and nerve sensitivity—resulting in significant pain reduction without the need for invasive surgery.

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)

RFA targets the sensory nerves surrounding the knee. Using a small probe and image guidance, a physician applies controlled heat to disrupt the pain signals traveling from the knee to the brain. This technique is ideal for patients who have not responded well to physical therapy or medications, and it can provide relief for six months or longer.

Image-Guided Corticosteroid Injections

These targeted injections use ultrasound or fluoroscopy to precisely deliver anti-inflammatory medication into the joint. By pinpointing the area of inflammation, these injections are more effective and safer than standard “blind” approaches. Relief can last several weeks to months, making it a great option for managing flare-ups.

Why Choose IR for Knee Pain?

• ✅ Minimally Invasive: No scalpels, stitches, or general anesthesia.
• ✅ Fast Recovery: Most patients are up and moving the same day.
• ✅ Outpatient Procedure: Done in a clinic or imaging center—no hospital stay required.
• ✅ Safe & Effective: Especially beneficial for patients who want to avoid or delay knee replacement surgery.
• ✅ Ideal for Osteoarthritis: Proven to reduce pain and improve mobility in those with degenerative joint disease.

If you’re looking for a non-surgical solution to chronic knee pain, Interventional Radiology may be the answer. Book a consultation to see if you’re a candidate for these breakthrough procedures and take your first step toward walking pain-free again.

What Recovery Looks Like

Most of the treatments at Prospero Vascular have minimal recovery time, especially compared to traditional surgery. Whether you’re opting for PRP therapy or knee arthroscopy, we’ll guide you through the recovery process with a plan to get you back on track.

For non-surgical options like PRP or injections, you may only need a couple of days off from activity. For minimally invasive surgeries like arthroscopy, most patients can return to normal activities within a few weeks.

Why Choose Prospero Vascular?

At Prospero Vascular, we combine cutting-edge treatments with compassionate care.

Here’s why you should choose us for your knee pain:

• Expert team:

We specialize in minimally invasive knee treatments for lasting relief.

• Comprehensive care:

From injections to regenerative therapies, we have options for every stage of knee pain.

• Convenient locations:

With multiple clinics in the East Bay, we’re right around the corner when you need us.

• Personalized treatment:

We understand how important your knees are to your active lifestyle, and we’re committed to helping you keep moving.

Final Thoughts: Get Back to What You Love—Pain-Free!

Chronic knee pain doesn’t have to control your life. Don’t let chronic knee pain slow you down—schedule a consultation with us today!.

Move Better. Feel Better. Live Better.

Call us at 510•977•8466 to book your appointment. Your knees will thank you!