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Spring Into Pain-Free Living: Your Complete Guide to Beating Knee Pain This April

By April 13, 2026No Comments

Spring is here — and so is the urge to get outside, walk the parks, tend the garden, and enjoy longer days. But for the nearly 60 million Americans living with arthritis, the transition from winter rest to spring activity can trigger a painful flare-up. If your knees are holding you back, this guide is for you. We’ll cover why spring makes knee pain worse, the breakthrough GAE procedure helping patients across New Jersey get back on their feet — without surgery, without opioids, and without downtime.

Why Spring Is the Toughest Season for Knee Pain

After months of cold weather and reduced movement, spring presents a unique challenge for anyone dealing with knee osteoarthritis or chronic joint pain. The sudden shift from sedentary winter habits to active outdoor living can overwhelm joints that haven’t been consistently supported by strong muscles.

During winter, reduced activity causes the muscles around the knee — particularly the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves — to weaken. Cartilage becomes less lubricated. When you suddenly ramp up activity in spring, those deconditioned tissues struggle to absorb the increased forces, and your knees bear the brunt of it.

Common Spring Knee Pain Triggers

  • Resuming walking or jogging routines too aggressively
  • Tackling yard work or gardening with prolonged kneeling
  • Hiking on uneven terrain after months indoors
  • Barometric pressure changes that increase joint swelling

Did You Know? Research published in Arthritis & Rheumatology found that people with knee osteoarthritis who walked regularly were significantly less likely to develop new knee pain — 26% of walkers reported pain at follow-up compared to 37% of non-walkers. The key is consistent, gradual movement — not sudden bursts.

Understanding Knee Osteoarthritis — More Than Just “Wear and Tear”

Modern science tells a more complex story than simple “wear and tear.” Knee osteoarthritis involves an active inflammatory process driven by abnormal blood vessel growth in the joint lining, accompanied by new nerve growth that amplifies pain signals.

In a healthy knee, the synovial membrane is largely free of blood vessels. In osteoarthritis, pro-inflammatory factors trigger the growth of new, abnormal blood vessels into the synovium. These vessels bring nerve fibers that invade the normally nerve-free joint space. The result is a self-reinforcing cycle: inflammation breeds more blood vessels, which breed more nerves, which intensify pain.

This is exactly why traditional treatments — cortisone shots, gel injections, oral anti-inflammatories — often provide only temporary relief. They treat the symptoms but don’t address the underlying vascular problem.

Signs You May Have Knee Osteoarthritis

  • Persistent swelling and stiffness that worsens with inactivity
  • A grinding or crunching sensation when bending the knee
  • Warmth or redness around the joint
  • Pain that intensifies when climbing stairs or walking downhill
  • Instability or the feeling that your knee might “give way”
  • Reduced range of motion that limits everyday activities

“After two cortisone shots and months of physical therapy, I was still barely able to walk to my car. Dr. Shah’s team explained the GAE procedure clearly, and within 3 weeks I was back to my morning walks.”
— Margaret T., Nutley, NJ

What Is Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)?

Genicular Artery Embolization is a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure rapidly gaining recognition as a game-changer for knee osteoarthritis patients. Unlike cortisone injections that temporarily mask pain, or knee replacement that requires major surgery and months of recovery, GAE targets the root cause of inflammatory knee pain — the abnormal blood supply feeding the inflamed joint tissue.

How GAE Works

  • Step 1 — Evaluation: Your physician reviews imaging, medical history, and performs a physical exam to confirm candidacy. Best suited for moderate to severe knee OA that hasn’t responded to injections, therapy, or medication.
  • Step 2 — Catheter Placement: A tiny catheter is inserted through a small access point in the wrist or groin. Using live imaging, the genicular arteries supplying inflamed areas are identified. No large incisions, no stitches, no general anesthesia.
  • Step 3 — Embolization: Microscopic particles are injected into the abnormal genicular arteries, blocking the blood flow that feeds inflammation. The procedure typically takes under one hour.
  • Step 4 — Recovery: Most patients go home the same day. Light activity resumes within 24–48 hours. Pain relief develops progressively over 1–3 weeks, with full improvement over 4–12 weeks.

The Evidence Behind GAE

  • 99.7% technical success rate
  • 78% of patients achieved meaningful pain relief at 12 months
  • 47% maintained clinical success at 24 months
  • Procedure time: under 1 hour
  • Return to activity: 1–2 days

GAE is backed by peer-reviewed research published in Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology and the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology.

Why Cardiologists Perform GAE

GAE works through the arterial system using catheter-based navigation — the exact same skillset that interventional cardiologists use daily to treat heart and vascular conditions. Our physicians have performed thousands of catheter-based procedures, bringing unmatched precision to every GAE. Since most GAE patients are 60–75 years old with cardiovascular risk factors, having a cardiologist supervise adds an extra layer of safety.

“My orthopedic surgeon told me I needed a knee replacement. I wasn’t ready for that. A friend recommended Apex Knee Pain Center and I’m so grateful. The procedure was done in under an hour, I went home the same day, and my pain has gone from a 9 to a 2.”
— Robert K., Jersey City, NJ

Are You a Candidate for GAE?

Find out if this minimally invasive, same-day procedure could be the answer to your chronic knee pain. No referral needed. Most major insurance accepted.

Call 908-280-0047  |  Book a Free Consultation

Spring Exercises & Tips for Pain-Free Outdoor Activity

Whether you’re awaiting a GAE consultation, recovering from the procedure, or simply looking to protect your knees this spring, these evidence-based strategies can help. The goal is gradual, consistent movement — not sudden intensity.

Best Low-Impact Activities for Knee Pain

  • Walking: Start with 10-minute walks and gradually increase. Stick to flat surfaces initially. Regular walking reduces future knee pain risk by 30%.
  • Swimming & Water Aerobics: Water’s buoyancy reduces joint stress by up to 90% while providing natural resistance. Excellent for those with moderate OA.
  • Cycling: Smooth leg movements strengthen quads and hamstrings without pounding joints. Ensure proper seat height for correct knee alignment.
  • Yoga & Tai Chi: Gentle movement improves flexibility, balance, and joint control. Mayo Clinic endorses both for arthritis management.

5 Rules for a Knee-Safe Spring

  1. Start slow, build gradually — increase activity by no more than 10% per week.
  2. Warm up before, ice after — 5 minutes of gentle movement before activity; ice for up to 20 minutes if joints feel sore afterward.
  3. Strengthen the support structure — wall sits, bridges, and clamshells, 10–15 minutes, 3–4 times per week.
  4. Check your shoes — worn-out footwear (past 300–500 miles) contributes significantly to knee pain.
  5. Listen to your body — sharp pain, persistent swelling, or worsening pain over several days means seek professional evaluation.

NJ Spring Spots for Low-Impact Activity

  • Branch Brook Park, Newark/Belleville — flat walking paths
  • Verona Park — paved trails
  • Liberty State Park, Jersey City — boardwalk
  • South Mountain Reservation, Maplewood — gentle paths

How GAE Compares to Other Knee Pain Treatments

Choosing the right treatment matters. Here’s an honest comparison of the most common options:

Feature GAE at Apex Cortisone Shots Knee Replacement
Invasiveness Minimally invasive Injection only Major surgery
Anesthesia Local + light sedation Local General
Recovery Time 1–3 days None 3–6 months
Duration of Relief 12–24+ months 1–6 months 10–20 years
Addresses Root Cause Yes No Partial
Repeatable Yes Limited No
Hospital Stay None (outpatient) None 1–3 days

If cortisone or gel injections have stopped working for you, GAE is typically the recommended next step before considering knee replacement surgery.

Our Knee Pain Specialists in New Jersey

At Apex Knee Pain & Arthritis Center, GAE is performed by board-certified interventional cardiologists — physicians who specialize in catheter-based procedures.

Our Approach to Patient Care

  • Comprehensive evaluation before any procedure
  • Transparent communication about candidacy and expected outcomes
  • Coordinated care with your existing physicians
  • Full insurance verification and prior authorization at no cost to you

“I’m 71 and my cardiologist was already treating me at Apex Heart & Vascular. When they told me the same doctors could help my knee pain without surgery, I didn’t hesitate. It’s been 6 months and I’m hiking again.”
— Carol M., Paterson, NJ

Knee Pain Treatment Locations Across New Jersey

With 15+ locations, there’s an Apex Knee Pain & Arthritis Center near you:

  • Nutley — 591 Franklin Ave, NJ 07110
  • Jersey City — 143 Palisade Ave, NJ 07306
  • Hoboken — 800 Observer Hwy, NJ 07030
  • Paterson — 606 Broadway, NJ 07514
  • Mountainside — 1 Bay Ave, NJ 07092
  • Passaic — 227 Passaic Ave, NJ 07055
  • East Orange — 479 Main St, NJ 07018
  • Irvington — 1120 Springfield Ave, NJ 07111
  • Newark — 757 Mt. Prospect Ave, NJ 07104
  • Maplewood — 2060 Millburn Ave, NJ 07040
  • Bayonne — 855 Broadway, NJ 07002
  • Bayonne — 621 JFK Blvd, NJ 07002
  • Union City — 4518 Bergenline Ave, NJ 07087
  • Union City — 322 49th St, NJ 07087
  • Elizabeth — 433 N Broad St, NJ 07208
  • Woodland Park — 1031 McBride Ave, Suite D208, NJ 07424

Frequently Asked Questions About Knee Pain & GAE

Why does my knee pain get worse in spring?

After months of reduced winter activity, suddenly increasing movement can overwhelm deconditioned joints. Weakened muscles can’t absorb forces properly, and barometric pressure changes can increase joint swelling. The solution is gradual, consistent movement — and professional evaluation if pain persists beyond 1–2 weeks.

What is Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)?

GAE is a minimally invasive, same-day outpatient procedure that reduces chronic knee pain by blocking abnormal blood vessels fueling inflammation inside the knee joint. No incisions, no stitches, no general anesthesia — most patients go home the same day.

Am I a candidate for GAE?

You may be a good candidate if you have moderate to severe knee osteoarthritis confirmed by X-ray or MRI, and knee pain that hasn’t responded to physical therapy, cortisone injections, or gel injections. No referral needed — book a free consultation at any of our 15+ NJ locations.

Does Medicare or my insurance cover GAE?

Coverage varies by plan. Apex accepts Medicare and most major insurance plans. Our team handles prior authorization and insurance verification at no cost to you. Call 908-280-0047 for a free insurance check.

How long do GAE results last?

78% of patients achieve meaningful pain relief at 12 months. At 24 months, 47% maintain at least 50% pain improvement. Unlike cortisone injections, GAE addresses the underlying inflammatory blood supply for longer-lasting results. The procedure can also be repeated if needed.

Is GAE painful? What is recovery like?

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia with light sedation — most patients report minimal discomfort. Most patients resume light activity within 24–48 hours and return to normal daily activities within 1–3 days.

Can GAE replace knee replacement surgery?

For many patients, yes — GAE provides sufficient, long-lasting relief that eliminates or significantly delays the need for knee replacement. Having GAE does not prevent you from receiving a knee replacement in the future if needed.

How is GAE different from cortisone or gel injections?

Cortisone and gel injections temporarily reduce inflammation inside the joint — most last 1–6 months with decreasing effectiveness over time. GAE works upstream by reducing the abnormal blood supply that continuously feeds inflammation, which is why it provides longer-lasting results.

Take the First Step Toward Pain-Free Living

Spring shouldn’t be the season you dread because of knee pain. With 15+ locations across New Jersey, board-certified interventional specialists, and a commitment to minimally invasive care, we’ve helped patients get back to walking, gardening, playing with grandchildren, and simply living without pain.

No referral needed. Most major insurance accepted. Free consultations available.

Call 908-280-0047  |  Book Your Free Consultation at apexkneepaincenter.com

Medical Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding your specific condition and treatment options. Individual results may vary. Statistics cited are drawn from published clinical studies and may not predict individual outcomes.

DR. ANKITA AGGARWAL, MD

Dr. Ankita Aggarwal, MDVascular Health & Prevention SpecialistDr. Ankita Aggarwal's clinical philosophy is built around a straightforward conviction: the earlier you understand what is happening in your body, the more options you have to address it effectively. That philosophy shapes how she approaches every patient encounter at Apex Knee Pain and Arthritis Center — beginning with a thorough understanding of the patient's vascular and inflammatory status before making any treatment recommendation.

Dr. Aggarwal is a board-certified cardiologist with particular expertise in vascular health and the role of vascular inflammation in chronic disease. This expertise is directly relevant to knee pain care, because the biological process most closely linked to chronic knee osteoarthritis pain — neovascularization, the abnormal growth of new blood vessels in the inflamed joint lining — is fundamentally a vascular pathology. Understanding vascular inflammation, angiogenesis, and how blood flow patterns change in the presence of chronic tissue injury is core to her training.At Apex, Dr. Aggarwal is involved in both patient evaluation and ongoing care, with a particular focus on patients who are managing knee pain alongside cardiovascular or metabolic conditions — the profile of a large proportion of Northern NJ patients over the age of 60.

She sees patients at multiple Apex locations across Essex, Hudson, and Union counties and brings a prevention-first mindset: identifying what can be done to slow the progression of knee OA and optimize outcomes from minimally invasive treatment.Her patients consistently note that she takes time to explain what is happening in clear, direct language — not to oversimplify, but to ensure that every patient leaves their appointment understanding their condition and their options.

Board Certifications: Cardiovascular Disease, Internal MedicineFocus Areas: Vascular health, inflammatory disease, prevention-focused knee pain management, complex multi-condition patients

Dr. Asad Mohammed

Dr. Asad Mohammed, MDInterventional SpecialistDr. Asad Mohammed joined Apex Heart & Vascular Care and Apex Knee Pain and Arthritis Center following more than a decade of specialization in catheter-based, minimally invasive interventional procedures. His career has centered on one of the most technically demanding areas of modern medicine: using thin catheters, real-time fluoroscopic imaging, and precisely delivered therapeutic agents to treat conditions through the body's vascular system — without large incisions, without general anesthesia, and with recovery measured in days rather than weeks or months.

At Apex Knee Pain and Arthritis Center, Dr. Mohammed applies this endovascular expertise to patients with chronic knee pain from osteoarthritis. Genicular Artery Embolization — the practice's flagship interventional procedure — relies on exactly the skills that define his career: navigating the arterial system to the vessels supplying an inflamed knee joint, identifying the abnormal neovascular networks sustaining chronic synovitis, and blocking those vessels with precision to reduce the inflammatory drive that injections and medications cannot reach.

Dr. Mohammed serves patients across multiple Northern NJ communities — including Hudson County, Bergen County, and the surrounding areas — where he is known for straightforward, patient-centered communication and for ensuring that every patient understands both their diagnosis and every reasonable treatment option before committing to any procedure.His belief: that minimally invasive care, properly applied to the right patient at the right time, can change the trajectory of a chronic condition without the burden of major surgery.

Area of Focus: Catheter-based endovascular procedures, vascular inflammation management, minimally invasive knee pain intervention.

Dr. Jeremy J. Oh, DO

Dr. Jeremy J. Oh, DOBoard-Certified Interventional CardiologistDr. Jeremy Oh's approach to medicine is built on a belief that precision matters — in diagnosis, in procedure, and in how findings are communicated to patients. That precision, developed over years of subspecialty training in catheter-based interventional techniques, is what he brings to the knee pain care team at Apex Knee Pain and Arthritis Center.

Dr. Oh earned his undergraduate degree from Brandeis University and his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree from Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed his Internal Medicine residency at Valley Hospital in Las Vegas, followed by a fellowship in Cardiovascular Disease at South Brooklyn Health (Coney Island Hospital), where he served as Chief Fellow. He then pursued additional subspecialty training in Interventional Cardiology at St. Luke's Hospital in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania — a program that develops expertise in percutaneous coronary and peripheral vascular interventions: precisely the catheter-based, image-guided techniques that Genicular Artery Embolization demands.

Dr. Oh holds board certifications in Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease, Interventional Cardiology, Adult Comprehensive Echocardiography, Nuclear Cardiology, and Vascular Image Interpretation. His research background includes multiple publications and presentations at regional and national conferences, and his clinical interests include percutaneous vascular intervention, coronary artery disease, and critical care cardiology.At Apex Knee Pain and Arthritis Center, Dr. Oh applies his endovascular procedural expertise to patients with chronic knee osteoarthritis who have not achieved adequate relief from conservative treatments. He sees patients across multiple Northern NJ Apex locations, with a particular connection to the Bergen and Hudson County communities he has served throughout his NJ career.

Dr. Oh is fluent in English and Korean. Outside of medicine, he enjoys golf, soccer, and spending time with his family.Board Certifications: Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease, Interventional Cardiology, Adult Comprehensive Echocardiography, Nuclear Cardiology, Vascular Image InterpretationFellowship Training: South Brooklyn Health — Cardiovascular Disease (Chief Fellow); St. Luke's Hospital, Bethlehem, PA — Interventional CardiologyResidency: Valley Hospital, Las Vegas — Internal Medicine.

Dr. Jayant Barai M.D.

Dr. Jayant Barai, MDInternal Medicine & Vascular SpecialistDr. Jayant Barai is among the most experienced physicians at Apex Knee Pain and Arthritis Center, with a clinical career spanning over four decades. He graduated from the University of Newcastle Faculty of Medicine in 1978 and has since devoted his career to the evaluation and management of complex vascular and inflammatory conditions — the biological processes that also underlie chronic knee pain.

Dr. Barai has performed hundreds of image-guided, minimally invasive interventional procedures throughout his career and has developed particular expertise in ultrasound and vascular imaging as tools for early diagnosis and precision treatment planning. This imaging expertise is directly relevant to knee pain care: identifying the degree of synovial inflammation, assessing the neovascular burden in an arthritic knee, and determining whether a patient is an appropriate candidate for interventional treatment all depend on skilled interpretation of vascular imaging.For patients in Northern New Jersey — particularly those managing knee pain alongside complex medical histories involving cardiovascular conditions, metabolic disease, or inflammatory arthritis — Dr. Barai's breadth of internal medicine experience provides a level of integrated clinical judgment that goes beyond what a procedure-focused specialist alone can offer.

Dr. Barai sees patients across multiple Apex locations serving Essex, Passaic, and surrounding Northern NJ counties. He is passionate about using precision diagnostic tools to identify the right treatment for each patient — and equally passionate about ensuring that patients fully understand their condition before any treatment decision is made.Medical Training: University of Newcastle, Faculty of Medicine (1978)Area of Focus: Vascular assessment, minimally invasive interventional procedures, internal medicine, complex multi-condition patient management

Dr. Sarina Sachdev, MD FACC FSCAI

Dr. Sarina Sachdev, MD, FACC, FSCAIInterventional Cardiologist & Endovascular SpecialistDr. Sarina Sachdev came to Apex Knee Pain and Arthritis Center through a training pathway that built, step by step, the precise skills that catheter-based knee pain treatment requires: image interpretation, arterial navigation, and the ability to deliver therapeutic interventions through the vascular system with minimal trauma to surrounding tissue.

Born and raised in San Jose, California, Dr. Sachdev completed her medical school training at the American University of the Caribbean, followed by her Internal Medicine residency at NYU Langone in New York City — one of the country's foremost academic medical centers. She then completed her Cardiology fellowship at the University of South Alabama University Hospital, followed by a subspecialty fellowship in Interventional Cardiology at Michigan State University Ascension Borgess Hospital.

Each stage of that training built proficiency in catheter-based technique: the skill of guiding thin, flexible catheters through the body's arterial system under live fluoroscopic imaging and delivering precise therapeutic interventions to specific target sites.At Apex Knee Pain and Arthritis Center, those skills apply directly to Genicular Artery Embolization — guiding a catheter to the genicular arteries supplying an inflamed knee joint and blocking the abnormal neovascular vessels that sustain chronic synovitis. For appropriately selected patients, this translates to meaningful, lasting pain relief without surgery, incisions, or general anesthesia.

Dr. Sachdev sees patients across Apex's Northern NJ locations and has particular clinical interest in serving patients whose knee pain intersects with broader vascular health considerations — the profile that describes a significant proportion of patients over 60 in the communities Apex serves across Passaic, Bergen, Hudson, and Essex counties.Outside of her practice, Dr. Sachdev enjoys dancing, reading, and exploring new and diverse cuisines.Board Certifications: Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease, Interventional CardiologyFellowship Training: University of South Alabama University Hospital (Cardiology); Michigan State University Ascension Borgess Hospital (Interventional Cardiology)Residency: NYU Langone, New York City

Dr. Kunal Brahmbhatt, MD FACC FSCAI

Dr. Kunal Brahmbhatt, MD, FACC, FSCAIInterventional Endovascular SpecialistDr. Kunal Brahmbhatt brings an unusually broad foundation to his work at Apex Knee Pain and Arthritis Center — a combination of interventional endovascular expertise, advanced academic training, and a personal connection to the communities of Northern New Jersey that shapes how he approaches every patient encounter.Born in Jersey City and primarily raised in New York, Dr. Brahmbhatt attended Drexel University in Philadelphia, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in his undergraduate studies.

He went on to earn his Doctor of Medicine from the Drexel University College of Medicine and also completed a Master of Business Administration from the Drexel LeBow College of Business — a combination of medical and management training that reflects his commitment to understanding both the clinical and practical dimensions of patient care.Dr. Brahmbhatt completed his Internal Medicine residency at NYU Winthrop Hospital on Long Island, followed by a fellowship in Cardiovascular Disease and then a subspecialty fellowship in Interventional Cardiology — both also at NYU Winthrop. His interventional training focused on catheter-based procedures requiring precise arterial navigation under live imaging guidance: the same technical foundation that makes Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) effective in the right patient with knee osteoarthritis.At Apex Knee Pain and Arthritis Center, Dr. Brahmbhatt applies that endovascular expertise to a patient population that frequently spans his home communities of Hudson County, Essex County, and Union County.

He sees patients in Jersey City, Bayonne, Hoboken, Union City, and Newark — areas he has a genuine personal investment in. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Cardiology, as well as Nuclear Cardiology and Echocardiography.

Dr. Brahmbhatt is known for taking the time to explain a patient's condition in plain language and for making sure every option has been genuinely considered before a treatment recommendation is made. He is fluent in Gujarati and Spanish in addition to English.When not seeing patients, he enjoys traveling, cooking, physical fitness, and spending time with his family. He remains an enthusiastic supporter of New York and New Jersey metro area sports teams. Board Certifications: Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease, Interventional Cardiology, Nuclear Cardiology, EchocardiographyTraining: Drexel University College of Medicine; NYU Winthrop Hospital (Residency and Fellowship)

Dr. Deepak Shah, M.D.

Dr. Deepak Shah, MDBoard-Certified Cardiologist & Internal Medicine SpecialistDr. Deepak O. Shah has spent more than three decades delivering advanced medical care to the patients of Hudson County and Greater Northern New Jersey — and his clinical background makes him exceptionally well-suited to the integrated, whole-patient approach that defines care at Apex Knee Pain and Arthritis Center.

Dr. Shah earned his undergraduate degree from K.C. College and his medical degree from T.N. Medical College, both in Mumbai, India. He completed his internship in internal medicine at Perth Amboy General Hospital, followed by internal medicine residencies at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Elizabeth, NJ, and Bergen Pines County Hospital in Paramus, NJ. He completed his cardiology fellowship at East Orange VA Hospital in 1986.Over the course of his career, Dr. Deepak Shah held leadership positions at Christ Hospital in Jersey City, including Director of the Echocardiography Lab, Director of the Critical Care Unit, and Chief of Cardiology. He has performed over a thousand diagnostic and interventional vascular procedures and has spent decades developing the imaging and procedural skills that underpin minimally invasive vascular care. This background — deep familiarity with vascular anatomy, invasive procedure technique, and the clinical complexities of older patients managing multiple conditions simultaneously — translates directly to the knee pain care environment at Apex.

Dr. Deepak Shah sees patients at Apex Knee Pain and Arthritis Center locations across Hudson County and the surrounding Northern NJ region. His presence reflects what Apex is: a practice rooted in this community, with specialists who have spent their careers here and understand the specific patient populations they serve.

He is board-certified by both the American Board of Internal Medicine in Cardiology and the American Society of Echocardiography. Outside of medicine, he is a devoted father and grandfather.Board Certifications: Cardiology (ABIM), Echocardiography (ASE)Hospital Affiliations: Christ Hospital (Jersey City), Jersey City Medical CenterTraining: T.N. Medical College, Mumbai; Perth Amboy General Hospital; St. Elizabeth's Hospital; Bergen Pines County Hospital; East Orange VA Hospital (Cardiology Fellowship, 1986).

Dr. Anuj Shah, M.D., FACC, FSCAI

Dr. Anuj Shah, MD, FACC, FSCAIFounder & Lead Endovascular SpecialistDr. Anuj Shah founded Apex Heart & Vascular Care — and later Apex Knee Pain and Arthritis Center — with a single conviction: that patients in Northern New Jersey deserve access to the same level of minimally invasive, catheter-based care that was previously available only at major academic medical centers in New York City.Growing up in India, Dr. Shah witnessed firsthand how limited access to advanced medical care affected outcomes.

He made it his mission to bring cutting-edge interventional medicine to the communities of New Jersey. After completing his medical degree with honors and earning seven gold medals, he pursued advanced training at the University of Connecticut and then at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City — one of the world's foremost centers for complex catheter-based and endovascular procedures. At Mount Sinai, he trained in the most technically demanding interventional cases, developing expertise in precisely navigating the arterial system with catheter-based tools under live imaging guidance. That expertise is the foundation of the knee pain care offered at Apex. Genicular Artery Embolization — the minimally invasive procedure that targets the abnormal blood vessels driving chronic knee inflammation — requires the same catheter navigation, arterial knowledge, and imaging interpretation that Dr. Shah has applied to thousands of vascular cases throughout his career. It is not a new skill set applied to a new problem. It is the same skill set, applied with the same precision, to a different part of the vascular system.

Dr. Shah holds seven board certifications including Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease, Interventional Cardiology, Nuclear Cardiology, and Vascular Image Interpretation. He has held leadership positions including Director of Vascular Interventions at several prestigious NJ institutions and has served as Assistant Professor of Medicine at Mount Sinai Medical Center. He currently holds admitting privileges at Hackensack University Medical Center, St. Mary's Medical Center, St. Michael Medical Center, and Englewood Hospital. He has been named among New Jersey's Top Doctors every year since 2015 and has authored more than 50 peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and presentations at national and international conferences. Outside of medicine, Dr. Shah plays tennis and golf, enjoys mathematics puzzles — he competed in the Mathematics Olympics — and is actively involved in a nonprofit providing advanced medical care in underserved communities in developing countries.

Board Certifications: Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease, Interventional Cardiology, Nuclear Cardiology, Vascular Image Interpretation, and additional certificationsHospital Affiliations: Hackensack University Medical Center, St. Mary's Medical Center, St. Michael Medical Center, Englewood HospitalTraining: University of Connecticut; Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York City