Genicular Nerve Block (G Block)
A large, weight-bearing joint, the knee endures a significant amount of stress during daily activities. In addition to the wear and tear that occurs gradually along with the natural aging process, chronic knee pain can result from a traumatic injury or a failed surgical procedure. As such, knee pain is very common.
The board-certified physicians at Pain Care treat many patients from the Metro Atlanta, Georgia, area for knee pain. Some of our patients find that their symptoms can be effectively managed with nonsurgical therapies, such as medication. In other cases, however, the discomfort does not respond to conservative treatment. When further relief is needed, a partial or full knee replacement may be considered as a possible next step. But there might be a noninvasive alternative: a genicular nerve block (G block). This innovative knee pain treatment option is available from the experienced knee specialists at Pain Care.
What Does a Genicular Nerve Block Involve?
A genicular nerve block procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis. After cleansing and numbing the skin at the injection sites, a physician will use fluoroscopic guidance to precisely inject a powerful anesthetic into three genicular nerves that branch around the knee: the superior medial branch, the superior lateral branch, and the interior medial genicular nerves. These sensory nerves transmit pain signals from the knee to the brain.
Anesthetizing the genicular nerves can disrupt the pain signals, potentially providing temporary but effective relief. When the procedure is complete, the injection sites will be bandaged and the patient can walk normally. Many patients experience immediate pain relief and resume their daily activities as soon as they feel ready.
What Conditions Can Be Treated with a Genicular Nerve Block?
A genicular nerve block may be considered for addressing severe or chronic knee pain associated with:
- Osteoarthritis
- Tendinitis
- Gout
- A knee injury
- A failed knee replacement
If a patient experiences meaningful knee pain relief after a genicular nerve block, he or she may be a candidate for nerve ablation, a similar procedure that involves desensitizing the genicular nerves. Nerve ablation can potentially provide relief for up to 18 months or longer.
If you’d like to learn more about the genicular nerve block procedure or any of the other joint pain treatment options we offer in the Metro Atlanta, GA, area, contact Pain Care today. We pride ourselves on our easy scheduling process, and we see many patients within 48 hours.
