An injection for your knee pain? Let's talk about this Genicular Nerve Block!

Do you also find it difficult to climb stairs, walk a little, or do everyday tasks because of knee pain? Maybe you've taken painkillers, gone to physical therapy, and done various things, but the pain in your knee hasn't subsided. If so, today we're going to talk about a special treatment that your doctor may suggest for you. This is called a 'Genicular Nerve Block.'

Simply put, what is Genicular Nerve Block?

It's really quite simple. A genicular nerve block involves injecting a painkiller into a specific nerve around your knee that carries pain to your brain. This injection provides temporary relief from knee pain. Sometimes this relief can last for a long time. It is usually made by combining a local anesthetic with a steroid.

Our knee joint is helped by a large number of nerves. Of these, several major nerve branches are spread around the knee. These small nerve branches are what we call the 'Genicular Nerves'. Specifically, these are the nerves that doctors target in this treatment:

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

During this treatment, although there is another nerve like this (the Inferolateral genicular nerve - ILGN), it is not injected. This is because it is located very close to another major nerve (the Peroneal Nerve) that is important for the movements of our legs, so this is done to prevent the possibility of damaging it.

When is this vaccine given?

There are two main reasons for using a Genicular Nerve Block.

1. Chronic Knee Pain: If you have had knee pain for a long time, especially due to a condition like Knee Osteoarthritis, and if the pain has not been controlled with standard treatments (such as painkillers and physical therapy), your doctor may suggest this injection.

2. For pain after knee surgery: Anesthesiologists use this injection to control severe pain before and after major knee surgery, such as a total knee arthroplasty. This is given in addition to general anesthesia.

What should you do before treatment?

This usually doesn't require much preparation. However, in some cases, your doctor may decide to give you a sedative to help you relax, meaning you'll be a little sleepy. In this case, you'll be advised not to eat or drink anything for 6-8 hours before the treatment. It's also important to have someone to drive you home after the treatment.

However, your doctor will give you clear instructions about this. Follow those instructions exactly. Don't be afraid to ask any questions you have.

What happens when you get vaccinated?

This is usually a small procedure that is done in an outpatient setting, rather than in the hospital. This means you can go home shortly after the injection. Here's what happens during the treatment:

• You will be made to lie down on a special bed, with a small pillow placed under the painful knee and your knee slightly bent.
• You may be given medication through an IV line to help you relax.
• Then the doctor will thoroughly clean the skin on your knee with an antiseptic solution.
• Next, a small injection of local anesthetic is given to numb the area where the injection will be given. At this point, you may feel a slight stinging sensation as the needle goes in.
• Then, using a special scanning machine such as ultrasound or fluoroscopy , the doctor will find the exact location of the nerve to inject the medicine.
• Finally, the medicine is injected as close to that nerve as possible.

The entire process takes only 5 to 10 minutes. After that, you can rest for a while and go home.

What are the benefits and risks of this?

Benefits

There are several benefits that can be gained from this treatment:

• Temporary or long-term relief from pain , making it easier to carry out daily activities.
• The swelling of the nerves that cause pain is reduced, helping them to heal.
• Getting good relief from pain after surgery.
• It is a good option for pain management for those who cannot undergo knee surgery due to other health problems.

Risks

As with any medical procedure, there are some risks involved, but serious complications are rare.

• There may be some slight swelling or bruising at the injection site. This usually resolves within a day or two.
• Rarely, things that can happen are:
• Infection at the injection site.
• Bleeding from the site.
• Accidental injection of medication into a blood vessel.
• Accidentally injecting the medicine into the knee joint.
• Rarely, if the medication accidentally goes to another nearby nerve (the Common Peroneal Nerve), a condition called 'foot drop' , in which the foot cannot be lifted from the ankle, can occur.

How long does the effect of the vaccine last?

This is a problem that many people have. In fact, the relief from this can vary greatly from person to person. Some people may experience relief for a few days, while others may experience relief for weeks, months, or even a year. On average, you can expect relief for about 3 months. However, some people may not experience any relief at all.

When should I see the doctor?

After receiving the vaccine, if you develop any new symptoms, for example, signs of infection such as swelling, redness, or pus at the injection site, or if you experience unusual burning, numbness, or weakness , notify your doctor immediately.

If you have any concerns or doubts about this treatment, talk to your doctor about it openly. He or she will answer all your questions.

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