A genicular nerve block is a quick, minimally invasive procedure that targets the small nerves around the knee responsible for carrying pain signals. By blocking these nerves, patients can experience significant and long-lasting pain relief without the risks or recovery time of surgery. It helps reduce inflammation, improves mobility, and allows people to return to their normal activities with greater comfort.

Knee osteoarthritis can make everyday activities like walking, climbing stairs, or even standing, painful. While many people try medicines, physiotherapy, or lifestyle changes, the relief is often temporary. Surgery is an option, but not everyone is ready for it. That’s where Genicular Nerve Blocks come in as a powerful, non-surgical solution.

This treatment is becoming increasingly popular among those seeking safe, effective, and immediate relief from chronic knee pain caused by osteoarthritis. Let’s explore how it works and who can benefit from it.

What is a Genicular Nerve Block

A Genicular Nerve Block is a non-surgical treatment used to reduce knee pain caused by osteoarthritis. It works by targeting the genicular nerves, which are small nerves around the knee that send pain signals to the brain

During the procedure, the doctor injects a combination of medicines – usually a local anaesthetic like lidocaine or bupivacaine, and sometimes a steroid to reduce inflammation. The anaesthetic medicines numb the nerves, which gives immediate pain relief, while the steroid helps decrease swelling and provides longer-lasting comfort.

The knee works with the help of several nerves that come from bigger nerves in the leg, such as the femoral, common peroneal, saphenous, tibial, and obturator nerves. The small branches of these nerves around the knee are called genicular nerves. The word “genicular” simply means “related to the knee.”

These genicular nerves help carry pain and sensation signals from the knee to the brain. They include:

• Superolateral genicular nerve (SLGN)
• Superomedial genicular nerve (SMGN)
• Inferomedial genicular nerve (IMGN)
• Inferolateral genicular nerve (ILGN)

Doctors can safely target most of these nerves during a genicular nerve block to reduce knee pain. However, the inferolateral genicular nerve (ILGN) is usually not targeted because it lies very close to the peroneal nerve, and treating it could affect that nerve, causing weakness in the legs. Genicular Nerve Block does not treat the bone or cartilage directly, but it stops the pain pathway, thus helping patients walk, move, and perform daily activities with less discomfort. 

Uses of Genicular Nerve Block In Knee Osteoarthritis 

A genicular nerve block is mainly used for two reasons:

1. To reduce long-lasting knee pain

When chronic knee pain does not improve with physiotherapy, pain medicines (NSAIDs), or steroid injections, a genicular nerve block may be recommended. This procedure helps reduce pain by blocking the nerves that carry pain signals. It is often helpful for conditions like knee injuries or knee osteoarthritis.

2. To manage pain after knee surgery:

Before knee surgeries such as total knee replacement, doctors may give a genicular nerve block to help control moderate to severe pain after the operation. This block is used along with general anaesthesia and other nerve blocks to make the recovery process more comfortable and easier.

3. Knee Genicular Nerve RFA

Knee Genicular Nerve Blocks are used as diagnostic procedures before performing Knee Genicular Nerve Radiofrequency Ablation for long-term treatment of patients suffering from Knee arthritis and not willing or unsuitable candidates for surgery.

Genicular Nerve Block Procedure

• The person lies on a procedure table, and a small pillow is placed under the knee to keep it slightly flexed.
• The healthcare provider cleans the knee with an antiseptic solution.
• A local anaesthetic is injected to numb the area, and a small pinch or slight discomfort may still be felt as the needle enters.
• Image guidance, such as ultrasound or fluoroscopy, may be used to find the exact location of the target nerves.
• Medication is then injected close to the affected genicular nerves.
• After the injection, the person rests for a short time while the medicine starts working.
• The entire procedure typically takes about five to ten minutes

Benefits Of Genicular Nerve Block

• Offers short-term pain relief after knee surgery.
• Provides temporary or long-term pain relief, helping with better daily movement and activity.
• Reduces inflammation in the affected nerves, allowing them to recover more effectively.
• Serves as a helpful pain management option for individuals who are not able to undergo knee surgery because of medical conditions.
• Serves as a diagnostic marker for performing genicular nerve radiofrequency ablation later on.

Also Read: Cost of PRP Treatment for Knee Osteoarthritis

Best Genicular Nerve Block Treatment Clinic – Pain Medics Clinic

Pain Medics Clinic is one of the most trusted centres for Genicular Nerve Block treatment in Chandigarh, known for offering safe, modern, and highly effective pain-relief solutions for knee osteoarthritis. It is the only clinic in the region led by a doctor certified by the World Institute of Pain, making it a preferred choice for advanced and specialised care. 

Pain Medics Clinic uses the latest image-guided techniques and updated medical equipment to ensure accurate, comfortable, and successful treatment. Led by Dr Rajit Jhingan with over 15 years of experience in Anaesthesiology, Pain Medicine, and Critical Care and a dedicated support team, the clinic focuses on personalised care for individuals struggling with long-term knee pain. Many patients have reported significant pain reduction, better mobility, and improved daily function after receiving Genicular Nerve Block therapy at Pain Medics Clinic.