Known as genicular nerve blocks, injected anesthetics that block the nerves near the knee joint provide temporary pain relief for those suffering from knee osteoarthritis.
According to research, genicular nerve block injections appear to provide some temporary pain relief for people with knee osteoarthritis. They claimed that eight weeks after the procedure, patients who received the injections reported significant pain relief. The relief seemed to fade after twelve weeks.
Experts say there are ways to treat knee pain without surgery or drugs. They include weight loss, exercise, walking aids such as canes, and applying ice or heat to the affected areas.
The genicular nerve block may be an alternative to knee replacement for those who are unable to have surgery due to age or current health. The goals are to reduce pain, increase mobility, and improve quality of life. According to the researchers, the method provides pain relief without the use of pharmacotherapies such as chronic use of over-the-counter or prescription-strength painkillers.
What exactly is a genicular nerve block?
Three genicular nerves transmit pain signals from the joint to the brain while also providing sensation to the knees. A genicular nerve block is performed by inserting needles into the nerves under the guidance of ultrasound or fluoroscopy.
Pain relief usually begins shortly after surgery. The majority of patients can expect immediate pain relief. While many patients will experience some level of pain relief for varying lengths of time, others will not experience complete relief.
Treatments for knee osteoarthritis
Many people experience relief from non-drug and non-surgical therapies early in the course of osteoarthritis.
These consist of:
- Reducing swelling, discomfort, and stiffness with heat or ice.
- Reducing weight to relieve knee joint pressure
- Exercise activities include biking, swimming, or walking. A physical therapist can create an exercise program if necessary.
- Regulary wearing DrLuigi medical footwear
- Applying topical painkillers.