What is a Nerve Block for Knee Pain?

Nerve Block for Knee Pain

The knee is one of the most important weight-bearing joints in the human body. You use the knee joint to stand, squat, move, twist, and support your entire body weight. Consequently, the knee joint undergoes considerable wear and tear throughout your life, leading to a high risk of knee joint pain and knee injuries. You may suffer from knee pain because of injuries, knee osteoarthritis, failed surgeries, diseases, and the normal aging process.

Chronic knee pain can dramatically affect your ability to work and lead an active life. If you have knee osteoarthritis, the symptoms probably persist even while lying down or sitting. As knee osteoarthritis progresses further, you may suffer from knee pain, knee joint stiffness, and other problems. If you have knee pain, your knee pain doctor may start your pain management journey with conservative treatments, such as physical therapy and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs).

But if conservative treatments fail, your knee pain doctor may recommend a genicular nerve block for knee pain. The genicular nerve block addresses the arteries (femoral and popliteal) and nerves that enter the knee joint and deliver pain signals. The nerve block is an injection that temporarily blocks painful nerve signals in the knee, thus alleviating knee pain. A genicular nerve block only offers temporary knee pain relief, but it can diagnose the root cause of knee pain and pave the way for long-lasting solutions.

Knee Pain Doctor NYC is a group of state-of-the-art interventional pain management specialists with advanced training in knee pain treatments. Our knee pain doctors use cutting-edge diagnostic tools and techniques to identify the root cause of knee pain. After a thorough evaluation and diagnosis, our knee pain doctors curate a personalized pain management process, which may consist of physical therapy, NSAIDs, nerve blocks, and nerve ablation. You can find our knee pain doctor in Midtown Manhattan or the Financial District.

Please schedule an appointment with our knee pain doctors in New York City.

Your Knee Pain Management Journey

Our interventional pain specialists use cutting-edge diagnostic tools and techniques to determine the root cause of knee pain. During your consultation, the knee pain doctor may administer numerous imaging tests, such as x-rays and CT scans, to visualize the knee joint and look for damages. After identifying the possible root cause of knee pain, our doctors initiate your knee pain management journey. Below, we highlight the potential stages of your knee pain management journey — the specific details may vary from patient to patient.

Stage 1: Physical Therapy & NSAIDs

Your knee pain management journey will usually start with non-invasive techniques, such as physical therapy and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications. Knee osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage covering the ends of the knee joints breaks down or thin, leading to inflammation of the knee joint. Physical therapy can improve mobility and strengthen the surrounding muscles and NSAIDs can reduce inflammation, thus alleviating knee pain. Your knee pain doctor may also offer a knee brace to immobilize the knee and promote healing.

What is a nerve block for knee pain? We describe your knee pain management journey and its various stages. Contact your knee pain doctor in New York today.

Sick of your Knee Pain?
Book an Appointment!

We offer free insurance verification! Fill out the form and expect a call from one of our agents:

Your information is encrypted and secure. By registering you confirm that you accept Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy

Stage 2: Nerve Blocks

If physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and knee braces don’t work, you may proceed with nerve blocks for knee pain. The genicular nerves around the knee (one on the inside of the knee, one outside the knee, and one at the bottom of the knee) are responsible for delivering pain signals to the brain. During genicular nerve block treatments, the knee pain doctor injects a local anesthetic and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication into one of the three genicular nerves under ultrasound guidance.

The lidocaine injection temporarily numbs the targeted nerve, and the anti-inflammatory medicine reduces inflammation. If the first genicular nerve block doesn’t work, the knee pain doctor may target the second nerve and then the third. Once you experience pain relief, the knee pain doctor will identify the nerve responsible for the pain signals. As such, nerve blocks provide temporary relief and serve a diagnostic purpose, allowing knee pain doctors to identify the specific nerves they need to target.

Stage 3: Radiofrequency Ablation

Nerve blocks temporarily anesthetize the targeted genicular nerves and reduce inflammation — they don’t address the root cause of knee pain. Radiofrequency ablation is the ideal next step after a nerve block because it ensures more long-lasting results. Radiofrequency ablation involves delivering thermal energy into the targeted genicular nerve to destroy it completely and prevent it from sending pain signals to the brain. This procedure ensures long-lasting results.

Microsite-Location-Pins

Find Your Nearest Knee Pain Treatment Center

Our Manhattan NY knee pain clinic is conveniently located on 290 Madison Avenue Suite 203

Stage 4: Knee Replacement (Last Resort)

Knee replacement is a surgical procedure wherein the damaged knee joint is replaced with an artificial one. This is a complex surgical procedure that must be reserved as a last resort option. Your knee pain doctor should only recommend a knee replacement if you have undergone conservative and minimally invasive knee pain treatments for several months without lasting knee pain relief or results.

Recovery and Side Effects After Nerve Blocks

A genicular nerve block is a minimally invasive procedure that targets the superior medial nerve of the knee joint with anesthesia to prevent it from sending pain signals to the brain. The procedure is painless, but you might feel a pinch when the needle enters your skin. The most common side effects include redness, discomfort, swelling, and bruising around the injection sites. Nerve blocks produce instant pain relief, which should last for a few hours.

If you have persistent knee pain, please schedule an appointment with our knee pain doctors in New York to determine if you’re a candidate for nerve blocks for knee pain.

FEATURED POSTS BY PAIN DOCTORS

How Do I Know If My Knee Pain Is Serious?

How Do I Know If My Knee Pain Is Serious?

How Do I Know If My Knee Pain Is Serious?Knee pain is a common complaint, affecting millions of people worldwide. Knee pain can range from a minor injury, such as a sprain or strain, to a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. In this article, we...

read more
What is the Best Doctor to See for Knee Pain?

What is the Best Doctor to See for Knee Pain?

What is the Best Doctor to See for Knee Pain?If you’re suffering from chronic knee pain, you may be wondering what type of doctor you should see. There are many different healthcare professionals who can diagnose and treat knee pain, so it can be confusing to know...

read more
Can I See A Chiropractor for Knee Pain?

Can I See A Chiropractor for Knee Pain?

Can I See A Chiropractor for Knee Pain?Knee pain can be a debilitating condition that can prevent you from engaging in your daily activities. Whether you have experienced an injury or have chronic knee pain, it can be challenging to find the right treatment to reduce...

read more

Meet Our Team of Knee Pain Specialists

KNOW OUR TEAM OF HARVARD TRAINED KNEE SPECIALISTS

DrGuthrie_Cutout

Knee Pain Doctor in New York

Dr. Michael Nguyen

Dr. Michael is available for Knee Pain treatment consultations in Manhattan, New York.

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT

DrGuthrie_Cutout

Knee Pain Doctor in New Jersey

Dr. George Hanna

Dr. Hanna is available for Knee Pain treatment consultations in Manhattan, New York.

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT

DrGuthrie_Cutout

Knee Pain Doctor in New York

Dr. Shane Volney

Dr. Volney is available for Knee Pain treatment consultations in Manhattan, New York.

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT

Keeping you safe during COVID-19

Learn about our health & safety protocol.

badge-1
badge-1
badge-1
badge-1
badge-1
badge-1

contact us today

phone-icon_1

Call us

Speak instantly with one of our team members; they will answer any questions you may have regarding insurance coverage, booking an appointment and our knee pain center in New York and New Jersey.

hand-icon_1

Book Online

Visit our Book Appointment page and instantly request an appointment at our Manhattan knee pain clinic. We offer Free Insurance Verification before your appointment.

location-icon

Get directions

Learn how to easily get to the Knee Pain Clinic nearest you.