If chronic knee pain keeps slowing you down after you’ve tried conservative care, knee injections, or even knee surgery, it may be time to talk about genicular nerve blocks. At Trinity Surgery Center in San Jose, this outpatient procedure targets pain signals from nerves around your knee, helping your provider get a clearer picture of what’s causing your symptoms.
When Might Genicular Nerve Blocks Help?
A genicular nerve block targets the nerves that send pain signals from your knee. You might consider it for knee osteoarthritis pain, degenerative joint disease, ongoing chronic knee pain, or knee pain after knee replacement.
If walking, climbing stairs, standing, or just getting through your day still feels harder than it should, a nerve block for knee pain can help your care team find out if those nerves are part of the problem. It’s especially helpful when earlier treatments haven’t given you enough relief to move comfortably.
How Do Genicular Nerve Blocks Work?
The genicular nerves sit around your knee joint. During the procedure, your provider places medication near specific nerves to help quiet pain signals. The goal isn’t to repair arthritis or replace damaged tissue. Instead, it’s to calm the pain pathway and see how your knee responds.
Cleveland Clinic explains that these blocks may deliver temporary relief for chronic knee pain or pain after knee surgery. A good response may also help guide future treatment conversations, including whether another option should be considered.
What Should You Expect During an Outpatient Knee Nerve Block?
At Trinity Surgery Center, you’ll have your genicular nerve block done as an outpatient procedure. The process is usually straightforward, and our team takes precision and your instructions seriously.
- We use an x-ray guided knee injection approach to make sure the medication goes exactly where it needs to.
- You may feel soreness near the injection site afterward.
- You should have someone drive you home after the procedure.
- Many patients return to regular activities the next day, based on their instructions.
Since Trinity Surgery Center offers outpatient procedures in San Jose, you won’t have to deal with a hospital setting for this kind of targeted knee pain treatment.
What If Pain Relief Is Temporary?
Relief from genicular nerve blocks can vary. Some people get lasting relief, some notice only short-term improvement, and others may not see enough change for the procedure to be helpful.
A 2025 systematic review found that genicular nerve blocks and genicular nerve ablation both helped reduce pain and improve function for people with knee osteoarthritis.
FAQs About Genicular Nerve Blocks
How long do genicular nerve blocks last?
Relief can last days, weeks, or even months. How long it helps depends on your condition, pain pattern, and how your nerves respond to the medication. If the block helps but wears off, your provider can talk with you about whether another treatment makes sense.
Are genicular nerve blocks the same as genicular nerve ablation?
No. A block uses injected medication near the nerves, while ablation uses energy to disrupt pain signals for a longer period in some people. Your provider can help you decide which option fits your symptoms, history, and goals.
Talk With Trinity Surgery Center About Knee Pain Treatment in San Jose
If knee pain keeps slowing you down, Trinity Surgery Center offers outpatient knee pain treatment in San Jose, including genicular nerve blocks for the right patients. Our team can help you find out if this targeted procedure fits your symptoms and walk you through what to expect before, during, and after your visit.