Struggling with knee pain that just won’t go away? If traditional treatments aren’t working, a genicular nerve block may offer the relief you need, especially if the pain is coming from the knee joint.
What is a Genicular Nerve Block?
A genicular nerve block is a minimally invasive procedure designed to block the pain signals from the knee joint. The genicular nerves, located around the knee, transmit pain signals to the brain. By injecting a local anesthetic near these nerves, we can temporarily interrupt the pain signals, providing significant pain relief.
Who Can Benefit from a Genicular Nerve Block?
If you’re dealing with chronic knee pain—often caused by osteoarthritis, injury, or post-surgical pain—a genicular nerve block may help. It’s a great diagnostic tool to determine if the knee joint is the true source of your pain.
What to Expect During the Procedure?
The procedure typically takes 5 to 10 minutes, and you will remain awake throughout. A local anesthetic is injected near the genicular nerves to block pain. The procedure is done under ultrasound guidance.
What Results Can I Expect?
You should experience immediate relief from knee pain. The results typically last for several hours to a few days. If the pain relief is significant, it may indicate that the genicular nerves are the source of your pain, and a more long-term solution, such as radiofrequency ablation (RFA), could be considered.
What Should I Do After the Procedure?
After the procedure, you may experience mild soreness at the injection site. You can resume most normal activities the following day, but avoid any heavy physical activity until cleared by your doctor.
Further Treatment: Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) If the genicular nerve block provides relief, radiofrequency ablation (RFA) may be recommended for long-term pain management. RFA uses heat to permanently disrupt the genicular nerves, providing lasting relief from knee pain without the need for constant medication.
Compiled by;Rarinthorn Choomsai Na Ayuthaya, M.D. Interventional Pain Specialist
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