Available at Apex, Holly Springs, Knightdale and Wakefield
If chronic knee pain is keeping you from doing the things you enjoy, a genicular nerve block may be an option to help reduce your pain and improve your ability to function.
At ECPC Pain Specialists, our board-certified interventional pain physicians use image-guided procedures to precisely target the nerves that carry pain signals from the knee. A genicular nerve block may be considered for patients with chronic knee pain, including pain related to knee arthritis or persistent pain following knee surgery.
What Is a Genicular Nerve Block?
The knee is surrounded by several small sensory nerves called genicular nerves. These nerves carry pain signals from the knee joint to the brain.
During a genicular nerve block, medication is injected near specific genicular nerves to temporarily interrupt these pain signals. The procedure is performed using fluoroscopy or other imaging guidance to help your physician accurately identify the treatment area.
Unlike an injection directly into the knee joint, a genicular nerve block targets the nerves surrounding the knee that transmit pain.
Who May Benefit From a Genicular Nerve Block?
A genicular nerve block may be considered for patients experiencing chronic knee pain that has not adequately improved with more conservative treatments.
It may be an option for patients with:
- Knee osteoarthritis
- Chronic knee pain
- Persistent pain following knee surgery or knee replacement
- Knee pain that interferes with walking, exercise or everyday activities
- Patients who are not candidates for, or wish to delay, knee replacement surgery
Your physician will evaluate your symptoms, medical history, physical examination and imaging to determine whether a genicular nerve block is appropriate for you.
What Happens During the Procedure?
A genicular nerve block is typically performed as an outpatient procedure.
After positioning you comfortably, your physician will clean and numb the skin around the knee. Using fluoroscopy, the physician guides a small needle to the targeted genicular nerves. Medication is then injected near the nerves.
The procedure itself is generally brief, and patients typically go home shortly afterward.
What Can I Expect After a Genicular Nerve Block?
Some patients experience significant pain relief following a genicular nerve block, while others may experience little or no improvement. The amount and duration of relief varies from person to person.
Because the response to a nerve block can also provide useful information about the source of your pain, your physician may use your response to help determine whether another treatment—such as genicular nerve radiofrequency ablation—may be appropriate.
Are There Risks?
Genicular nerve blocks are generally considered safe, but as with any procedure, there are potential risks. These may include temporary soreness or bruising, bleeding, infection, allergic reaction or unintended nerve irritation or injury.
Your physician will discuss the potential benefits and risks with you before treatment.
Take the Next Step
You don’t have to assume that living with chronic knee pain is your only option. Our team will take the time to understand your pain and determine whether a genicular nerve block or another treatment may be appropriate for you.
Contact ECPC Pain Specialists today to schedule a consultation.