What It Is: A genicular nerve block is a procedure that involves injecting an anesthetic, and sometimes a steroid, around the genicular nerves that transmit pain signals from the knee. This block targets nerves around the knee joint, which are key contributors to knee pain, particularly in conditions like osteoarthritis or following knee surgery. The procedure is aimed at diagnosing and relieving knee pain without affecting leg strength and mobility.

How It Will Help: The genicular nerve block can provide immediate pain relief by numbing the nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals from the knee. If successful, it can lead to significant improvement in knee function, allowing patients to participate more effectively in physical therapy and daily activities.

Why It Is Safe: The procedure is generally safe and minimally invasive, carried out with the assistance of imaging techniques such as fluoroscopy to ensure accurate needle placement. This precision helps avoid damage to other knee structures and minimizes the risk of complications. Side effects are typically mild, including temporary soreness or swelling at the injection site. By providing targeted pain relief, a genicular nerve block reduces the need for oral pain medications, which can have more systemic side effects.