Genicular nerve blocks are ideal for individuals suffering from chronic knee pain and to help manage pain following knee surgery. Although results vary, you may experience temporary pain relief from this outpatient procedure with minimal downtime. Learn more about genicular nerve blocks offered by Midsouth Spine & Pain Associates (MSSP) and how this procedure may help you.
What is a genicular nerve block?
The nerves surrounding the knee joint are referred to as genicular nerves. This particular injection delivers medication close to specific nerves in the knee to provide temporary pain relief. The injection includes a steroid medication mixed with a local anesthetic to help ease pain. Genicular nerve blocks help relieve chronic knee pain that has not responded well to conservative treatments like physical therapy or over-the-counter pain relief medications. Chronic knee pain associated with osteoarthritis may be treated with genicular nerve blocks. Additionally, genicular nerve blocks provide successful pain relief in some cases of post-surgical knee pain like following knee arthroplasty or a knee replacement.
The Procedure
The procedure takes about 10 minutes, and you will lie down and prop your knee on a pillow. The targeted area will be cleansed with an antiseptic solution to minimize the risk of an infection. Then, you’ll receive a local anesthetic to numb the area before the nerve block is injected. The pain specialist at MSSP will use imaging guidance like fluoroscopy to locate the precise nerve that needs to be treated and then inject the nerve block into the targeted area.
Before Your Procedure
Preparing for your genicular nerve block procedure does not involve much effort. Your Corinth pain specialist may recommend that you have a trusted individual drive you to and from your appointment in case you experience any immediate joint restrictions or discomfort that makes driving difficult. However, the doctor will review your complete medical history and any current medications that you take and advise whether you need to stop taking any medications before your procedure. Since receiving a genicular nerve block is an outpatient procedure, you will be released to go home the same day.
After Your Procedure
Following your genicular nerve block injection, you will be in observation for about half an hour until the medication takes full effect and to ensure you to not have any immediate side effects. Shortly after the observation period, you will be released to go home.
Risks and Complications
You may experience relief as soon as a few hours after your procedure, although it could take a couple of weeks before the medication produces its full effect. Risks and complications from a genicular nerve block are rare, although you may experience bruising or soreness at the injection site, which typically subsides within a few days. Other complications may include infection or bleeding at the injection site, accidental delivery of medication into your bloodstream, the knee joint itself, or the peroneal nerve (causing foot drop). However, choosing a skilled and experienced pain specialist near Tupelo helps minimize the potential for any risks or complications.
Genicular Nerve Block Injections for Pain Management in Southwest Tennessee and North Mississippi, including Tupelo, MS and Jackson, TN
If you experience chronic knee pain that has not responded well to other more conservative treatments, then a genicular nerve block may be right for you. To learn more about this procedure or to find out if you are a candidate, contact Midsouth Spine & Pain Associates by calling (662) 284-8565.