Understanding Genicular Nerve Block: A Promising Option for Knee Pain Relief
Introduction: Chronic knee pain can significantly diminish quality of life, making everyday activities like walking, climbing stairs, and even sitting, a challenge. For those seeking relief, Palomar Spine and Pain offers an innovative and minimally invasive treatment option: the genicular nerve block. This blog post explores how genicular nerve block works, its benefits, and what patients can expect during and after the procedure.
What is a Genicular Nerve Block? A genicular nerve block is a targeted pain relief technique used to treat chronic knee pain, which may arise from conditions such as osteoarthritis, post-surgical pain, or injuries. The procedure involves injecting a local anesthetic, with or without a steroid, directly into the nerves around the knee (genicular nerves) that transmit pain signals to the brain. By temporarily blocking these nerves, patients can experience significant pain relief.
How Does the Procedure Work? The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis at Palomar Spine and Pain and typically takes less than an hour. Here’s what patients can expect:
Preparation: Patients are positioned comfortably, and the knee area is cleaned and sterilized.
Imaging Guidance: Using fluoroscopy (a type of X-ray) or ultrasound, the physician precisely identifies the genicular nerves.
Injection: A local anesthetic (and possibly a steroid) is injected at strategic points around the knee to block the nerves.
Benefits of Genicular Nerve Block The genicular nerve block offers several benefits:
Immediate Pain Relief: Many patients experience significant pain relief shortly after the injection.
Minimally Invasive: The procedure is needle-based, avoiding surgical risks and offering a quicker recovery time.
Diagnostic Purpose: It helps identify if the source of knee pain is truly related to the genicular nerves, which can be valuable for planning further treatment, such as radiofrequency ablation for longer-lasting relief.
Who Can Benefit? Genicular nerve blocks are ideal for patients who:
Have not found relief through conventional treatments like medications, physical therapy, or injections.
Are looking for a non-surgical treatment option.
Have chronic knee pain that impacts their daily life.
Post-Procedure Care and Recovery Recovery from a genicular nerve block is typically swift. Patients can return home the same day and resume most normal activities. Here are a few tips for post-procedure care:
Activity: Mild to moderate activity can be resumed as tolerated; however, strenuous activity should be avoided for several days.
Monitoring: Patients should monitor the injection site for signs of infection or prolonged discomfort.
Follow-up: A follow-up appointment is necessary to assess the effectiveness of the block and discuss further treatment options.
Conclusion: A genicular nerve block can be a game-changer for individuals suffering from debilitating knee pain. At Palomar Spine and Pain, our dedicated team is committed to using state-of-the-art techniques to help our patients regain mobility and improve their quality of life. If knee pain is holding you back, consider discussing the possibility of a genicular nerve block with one of our specialists. Relief might be just an appointment away.
For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact Palomar Spine and Pain. Let us help you take the first step towards a pain-free life.