"The Leg Pain Clinic is amazing!! I walked out with less pain than I walked in with! Dr. Anwar is amazing and I love his bedside manner!! I didn't want another knee replacement surgery and now I don't have to get one!!"
Knee Arthritis (GAE)
Minimally invasive knee arthritis treatment. Reduces inflammation, restores movement. No surgery required.
Treatable without surgery
Understanding your condition
Knee Arthritis (GAE) explained
Knee arthritis is one of the most common causes of chronic knee pain, affecting millions of adults who are told that joint replacement is their only option. Dr. Anwer, a Stanford Fellowship trained interventional radiologist, offers Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE), a proven alternative that reduces the inflammation causing your pain without surgery. GAE works by blocking the small blood vessels feeding the inflamed knee lining, cutting off the pain signal at its source. Most patients notice significant improvement within two to four weeks and walk out the same day.
Most patients return to normal activity within 24 to 48 hours, with full results in 4 to 8 weeks.
Dr. Anwer's approach
Dr. Anwer performs GAE as an outpatient procedure using X-ray guidance. A tiny catheter is inserted through a pinhole in the wrist or groin, and microscopic particles are injected to reduce blood flow to the inflamed knee tissue. The procedure takes 45 minutes and you go home the same day.
Treatable without surgery
Key facts
GAE is performed as an outpatient procedure in 45 minutes
Performed under X-ray guidance through a pinhole incision
No general anaesthesia and no hospital admission required
Most patients walk out the same day after GAE
Pain relief typically begins within two to four weeks
Results continue to improve over four to eight weeks
Covered by Medicare and most major insurance plans
Treatment overview
Is this the right treatment for you?
Every patient is different. These four areas will help you understand whether Knee Arthritis (GAE) treatment at LPVI is the right fit.
Who qualifies
Am I a good candidate?
GAE is best suited for patients with moderate to severe knee arthritis who have not found lasting relief from conservative treatments such as cortisone injections, physical therapy, or pain medication. If you are looking to delay or avoid knee replacement surgery, GAE may be the right option. Dr. Anwer reviews your imaging personally at your first consultation to confirm whether you are a good candidate. Most patients with an MRI or X-ray confirming osteoarthritis are eligible.
Common symptoms
Symptoms we treat
Knee arthritis symptoms vary in severity but commonly include pain that worsens with activity such as walking, climbing stairs, or standing for extended periods. Many patients notice stiffness first thing in the morning or after prolonged sitting. A grinding or clicking sensation during movement is also common, along with visible swelling around the joint. Some patients experience pain at rest or at night as the condition progresses. You do not need all of these symptoms. Even two or three that are affecting your daily life are worth discussing with Dr. Anwer.
What to expect
The procedure
Genicular Artery Embolization is performed entirely as an outpatient procedure using real-time X-ray guidance. Dr. Anwer inserts a thin catheter through a pinhole in the wrist or groin, then navigates it to the small arteries supplying the inflamed lining of the knee joint. Microscopic particles are injected to reduce blood flow to these vessels, which decreases inflammation and relieves pain. The procedure takes approximately 45 minutes. You will be under light sedation, with no incisions, no stitches, and no overnight stay.
After treatment
Recovery and results
Recovery from GAE is straightforward for most patients. You can return to light daily activity the same day or the day after your procedure, with no hospital stay required. Some patients notice mild soreness at the catheter insertion site for a day or two. Pain relief from GAE builds gradually. Most patients notice significant improvement within two to four weeks, with continued results over four to eight weeks. Dr. Anwer will schedule a follow-up imaging review at four to eight weeks to confirm the outcome and assess your response to treatment.
Your treatment starts here
What's holding
What's holding
you back?
You may have more options than you've been told. Answer four quick questions and our engine matches you to the right minimally invasive treatment and connects you directly with Dr. Anwer.
This information is not a medical diagnosis. A consultation with Dr. Anwer will confirm your treatment options. Individual results may vary.
Do any of these sound familiar?
Common symptoms
You do not need all of these. Even two or three are worth discussing with Dr. Anwer at your first consultation.
Knee pain that worsens when climbing stairs
Stiffness and swelling around the knee joint
Grinding or clicking sensation during movement
Pain that limits walking or standing for long periods
Morning stiffness that improves after moving around
Knee pain that has not responded to injections or therapy
Our approach
How Dr. Anwer treats knee arthritis (gae)
Dr. Anwer performs GAE as an outpatient procedure using X-ray guidance. A tiny catheter is inserted through a pinhole in the wrist or groin, and microscopic particles are injected to reduce blood flow to the inflamed knee tissue. The procedure takes 45 minutes and you go home the same day.
Consultation with Dr. Anwer, imaging review and diagnosis
Personalised GAE treatment plan, procedure date confirmed
Outpatient GAE procedure, 45 minutes, light sedation
Same-day discharge, follow-up imaging at 4 to 8 weeks
Why choose this approach
Minimally invasive vs conventional treatment
Conventional approach
Knee arthritis is typically managed with cortisone injections and pain medication, followed by total knee replacement when these fail. Knee replacement requires general anaesthesia, a hospital stay of one to three days, and a recovery of six to twelve weeks.
- Major surgery or invasive procedure
- General anaesthesia required
- Hospital stay of 1 to 5 days
- Recovery of 4 to 12 weeks
Dr. Anwer's approach at LPVI
Dr. Anwer performs GAE with no general anaesthesia, no hospital admission, and same-day recovery. A pinhole incision is all that is required. Most patients return to light activity within 24 to 48 hours and notice progressive pain relief over the following weeks.
- Outpatient, no hospital admission
- Light sedation or local anaesthesia
- Pinhole incision, no stitches
- Same-day or next-day recovery
Many of my knee patients have already tried injections and been told surgery is next. GAE gives them a real alternative. It is precise, outpatient, and most patients tell me their knee feels noticeably different within a few weeks. That outcome never gets old.
Patient stories
What our patients are saying
5.0
Based on Google reviews
"Dr. Bilal very professional and awesome physician. My left knee pain went down from 9 to 3. Front staff, nurses, OR staff all were amazing and very professional."
"Brought my mother in law to get help with her knees. She literally could not walk. After procedure she walked to car with minimal discomfort. Each day is getting better and better. I rate the entire place 10 of 10."
"Fantastic doctor, very thorough, explained everything. Staff is outstanding!!! I first heard of them via Facebook and after looking more into it I saw they can treat shoulder pain too. I feel great after my procedure."
"Doctor Anwer and his staff is totally awesome, they are very kind and respectful. Dr. Anwer does amazing work. I love them all."
"Excellent staff and doctor! Excellent care and caring!!! I would recommend this clinic to anyone who is looking for a caring, professional medical team."
"My husband thinks very highly of the doctor. The entire experience from start to finish was professional and compassionate."
"Sabrena Cummings: Fantastic doctor very thorough explained everything. Staff is outstanding!!!"
"The Leg Pain Clinic is amazing!! I walked out with less pain than I walked in with! Dr. Anwar is amazing and I love his bedside manner!! I didn't want another knee replacement surgery and now I don't have to get one!!"
"Dr. Bilal very professional and awesome physician. My left knee pain went down from 9 to 3. Front staff, nurses, OR staff all were amazing and very professional."
"Brought my mother in law to get help with her knees. She literally could not walk. After procedure she walked to car with minimal discomfort. Each day is getting better and better. I rate the entire place 10 of 10."
"Fantastic doctor, very thorough, explained everything. Staff is outstanding!!! I first heard of them via Facebook and after looking more into it I saw they can treat shoulder pain too. I feel great after my procedure."
"Doctor Anwer and his staff is totally awesome, they are very kind and respectful. Dr. Anwer does amazing work. I love them all."
"Excellent staff and doctor! Excellent care and caring!!! I would recommend this clinic to anyone who is looking for a caring, professional medical team."
"My husband thinks very highly of the doctor. The entire experience from start to finish was professional and compassionate."
"Sabrena Cummings: Fantastic doctor very thorough explained everything. Staff is outstanding!!!"
FAQ
Common questions about Knee Arthritis (GAE)
Yes. Genicular Artery Embolization is covered by Medicare and most major insurance plans in Houston when knee arthritis has been confirmed on imaging and conservative treatments such as injections or physical therapy have not provided lasting relief. Our team at LPVI will verify your specific coverage and confirm prior authorisation requirements before your consultation, so there are no surprises on the day. Call us on 713-242-1139 to check your benefits.
Recovery from GAE is one of its biggest advantages over knee replacement surgery. Most patients return to light daily activity the same day or the morning after the procedure. There is no hospital stay and no need for a walking aid in most cases. Full results from GAE develop gradually over four to eight weeks as inflammation in the knee continues to decrease. Dr. Anwer will arrange a follow-up imaging review to confirm your progress and ensure the best possible outcome.
GAE is most suitable for patients with moderate to severe knee osteoarthritis confirmed on X-ray or MRI who have tried conservative treatments such as cortisone injections, physiotherapy, or pain medication without lasting relief. It is particularly well suited for patients who want to delay or avoid knee replacement surgery. Dr. Anwer reviews your imaging personally at your first consultation and will give you a clear assessment of whether GAE is the right option for your specific situation.
Knee osteoarthritis is a progressive condition. Without treatment, the cartilage in the joint continues to wear down, pain typically worsens over time, and the range of movement in the knee gradually reduces. Many patients find that daily activities such as walking, climbing stairs, and standing become increasingly difficult. Early intervention with a minimally invasive option like GAE can slow this progression and significantly improve quality of life before the condition reaches the point where joint replacement becomes unavoidable.
Knee replacement surgery removes and replaces the damaged joint under general anaesthesia, requires a hospital stay of one to three days, and involves a recovery period of six to twelve weeks. GAE is an outpatient procedure performed through a pinhole incision under light sedation, with no hospital admission and same-day recovery. GAE does not replace the joint. Instead it reduces the inflammation and pain signals in the knee, allowing most patients to return to normal activity within days rather than months.
Most patients begin to notice improvement in knee pain within two to four weeks after GAE. The relief builds progressively as the inflammation in the knee continues to settle. Some patients notice a change within the first week, while others see the full benefit at the six to eight week mark. Dr. Anwer will monitor your progress with a follow-up imaging review. The majority of patients treated at LPVI in Houston report significant pain reduction and improved mobility within the first two months.
Coverage
We accept most major insurance plans
Dr. Anwer performs Genicular Artery Embolization for knee arthritis at Leg Pain & Vascular Institute's s two Houston-area clinics, serving patients from Sugar Land, Katy, The Woodlands, Pearland, and League City. GAE is a same-day outpatient procedure with no surgery required, and is covered by Medicare and most major insurance plans. Patients across Greater Houston choose LPVI because Dr. Anwer is Stanford Fellowship trained and personally reviews every patient's imaging before recommending treatment.
Take the next step
Ready to treat your knee arthritis without surgery?
Speak with Dr. Anwer about your knee arthritis (gae). Same-day appointments available. Most insurance accepted.
This information is not a medical diagnosis. A consultation with Dr. Anwer will confirm your treatment options. Individual results may vary.