Genicular Nerve Block

Knee Pain Treatment in Texas

Knee pain is one of the most common joint conditions, and it can affect people of all ages. The knee contains many nerves that send signals to the brain when they are under pressure or damaged. If you have had knee pain for three months or longer, then your condition can be classified as chronic knee pain. One possible treatment for chronic knee pain is a genicular nerve block.

A genicular nerve block is an injection of anesthetic and steroids to the knee area that numb the nerves and prevent them from sending pain signals to the brain.

Genicular nerve blocks can help relieve pain caused by the following conditions:
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Chronic knee pain
  • Degenerative joint disease
  • Total knee replacement (before and after)
  • Partial knee replacement (before and after)

This procedure can also be beneficial for a patient who is unfit for or wants to avoid knee replacement surgery.

How Effective Is the Pain Relief?

The results of the genicular nerve block vary from patient to patient. Generally, the results of these injections are limited, and you will need to follow a course of gentle, daily exercises to help your heal while the pain is blocked off.

The effects of a genicular nerve block are not permanent and typically last anywhere between 8 to 24 hours. You will likely need to receive several injections during the week so that you can continue your knee rehabilitation. Though the effects of the block are relatively short-lived, they can help your doctor diagnose the cause of your knee pain. Combined with other treatments, the effects of the nerve block can be made to last for much longer. Patients who undergo a combination of genicular nerve blocks and radiofrequency ablation can experience pain relief for up to a year.

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