Genicular Nerve Blocks in Louisiana
A genicular nerve block is an outpatient injection of anesthetic around the genicular nerves, the sensory nerves that carry pain signals from the knee to the brain. Numbing these nerves can interrupt pain caused by degeneration of the knee and provide temporary relief. LA Pain Doctor performs genicular nerve blocks for patients in Metairie, LaPlace, Harvey, Hammond, and Lutcher, LA.
Request an AppointmentWhy a Genicular Nerve Block Is Used
Genicular nerve blocks serve two important purposes. First, they provide short-term relief from chronic Knee Pain, especially pain from osteoarthritis. Second, they act as a diagnostic test. If the block significantly reduces your pain, it confirms the genicular nerves are a main pain source, making you a strong candidate for longer-lasting genicular nerve ablation.
Who May Be a Candidate
- Patients with chronic knee pain from osteoarthritis
- People who have not found relief with medication, therapy, or joint injections
- Those who want to avoid or delay knee replacement surgery
- Patients with ongoing pain after knee replacement
- Patients who are not good surgical candidates due to other health conditions
What to Expect
The procedure is performed in the office and typically takes 15 to 30 minutes. You will lie on your back with your knee slightly bent. After numbing the skin, your provider uses X-ray or ultrasound guidance to place a thin needle near each genicular nerve around the knee, then injects local anesthetic, sometimes with a steroid.
After the block, you will be asked to move your knee and do activities that usually cause pain, such as walking or bending, and track how much relief you feel over the next several hours. This information helps your provider decide on next steps.
Next Steps After Your Block
If your pain improves significantly, your provider may recommend genicular nerve ablation for relief lasting many months. Other options for knee pain include Hyalgan injections to improve joint lubrication and prolotherapy to support tissue healing. Learn more about Joint Pain and explore our knee and leg pain treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genicular Nerve Block
What is a genicular nerve block?
It is an injection of anesthetic around the nerves that carry pain from the knee, used for temporary relief and to diagnose the source of knee pain.
How long does a genicular nerve block last?
The anesthetic typically lasts several hours. If a steroid is added, relief may last longer.
Why do I need a block before ablation?
A successful block confirms the genicular nerves are a main source of pain, which helps predict whether ablation will work.
Is the procedure painful?
The skin is numbed first, and most patients feel only mild pressure.
Can I walk after the block?
Yes. You will be encouraged to move your knee to test your level of relief.
Is it safe after knee replacement?
Yes. Genicular nerve blocks can be used for patients with ongoing pain after knee replacement.
Where can I get a genicular nerve block?
LA Pain Doctor performs genicular nerve blocks at our offices in Metairie, LaPlace, Harvey, Hammond, and Lutcher, LA. Call (504) 229-4866 - Metairie Office , (504) 229-4866 - Laplace Office , (504) 229-4866 - Harvey Office , (504) 229-4866 - Hammond Office or (504) 229-4866 - Lutcher Office to schedule.
Take the First Step Toward Knee Pain Relief
Find out what’s causing your knee pain. Call (504) 229-4866 - Metairie Office , (504) 229-4866 - Laplace Office , (504) 229-4866 - Harvey Office , (504) 229-4866 - Hammond Office or (504) 229-4866 - Lutcher Office or request an appointment online today.