TL;DR Quick answer
An injection around the small nerves of the knee to relieve arthritis pain. It is commonly used for knee pain. The procedure takes about 20–30 minutes and is day care. Suitability is decided after a specialist assessment.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Nikhilesh Samudrala — Consultant Pain Physician View full profile →
About Genicular Nerve Block
The genicular nerves carry pain signals from the knee joint. Placing local anaesthetic, sometimes with a steroid, around these nerves can ease knee osteoarthritis pain and shows whether radiofrequency ablation of the same nerves may help.
| Key facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 20–30 minutes |
| Anaesthesia | Local |
| Guidance | Ultrasound or X-ray |
| Hospital stay | Day care, home the same day |
| Commonly used for | Knee Pain |
| Who to see | Dr. Nikhilesh Samudrala, Consultant Pain Physician |
Benefits
- No surgical incision
- Day-care procedure: home the same day
- Precise, image-guided placement
- Can be combined with rehabilitation
Before the procedure
Tell the clinic if you take blood thinners, have diabetes, an infection, or could be pregnant. You will receive specific instructions, including whether to fast and whether someone should take you home.
During the procedure
Under ultrasound or X-ray guidance, fine needles are placed at three or more points around the knee and the medicine is injected. It takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
After the procedure
You rest for a short time before going home, usually the same day. Mild soreness at the injection site for a day or two is common. Follow-up checks how much the procedure helped.
Risks and safety
Temporary numbness, bruising, and rarely infection or bleeding. The doctor discusses the benefits and risks for you before you consent.
Myths and facts
Myth Injections near the spine or nerves are very painful.
Fact The skin is numbed first. Most people feel pressure and brief discomfort.
Myth One injection fixes the problem for good.
Fact The effect varies. Some people need a repeat procedure, and most benefit from exercise and follow-up as well.
| Condition | What it is | Typical symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Knee Pain | Long-standing knee pain from arthritis or other causes that limits walking and daily activity. | Pain on walking, climbing stairs or standing up; stiffness after rest |
Patient guides
This page is for general information. Whether a treatment is suitable for you is decided after an individual consultation.