A person is holding their knee in pain.

What You Should Know About Nerve Block for Knee Pain

Knee pain severity comes from a variety of factors and can vary from person to person. Anyone can experience the impact this pain has on fitness, work, and lifestyle. A nerve block is a process that prevents pain signals from reaching the knee. Let's take a closer look at genicular nerve block and how it helps manage knee pain.


Knee Pain

Your knee is a major weight-bearing joint. It can undergo tremendous wear and tear throughout your life, and an injury can result in lifelong pain. Age, lifestyle changes, weight loss, and gain, and stiffness can all contribute to knee pain.

 

Almost a million knee replacement surgeries took place in the United States in 2017.

 

Here are some of the more common conditions that create severe knee pain:

 

●     Knee ligament injuries

●     Meniscus tears

●     Knee arthritis

●     Chronic knee pain

●     Rheumatoid knee arthritis

●     Post-traumatic arthritis

●     Knee osteoarthritis

 

Nerve blocking is also an option for patients experiencing pain after knee surgery as well as chronic knee pain sufferers who aren't candidates for surgery.


Genicular Nerve Block

A genicular nerve block stops nerve signals to the knee temporarily. It's a relatively new procedure for knee pain that's not responsive to conventional treatment.

 

Doctors will carefully diagnose your condition. They'll gauge knee flexibility, pain level, joint function, past conditions or injuries, activity, and family history. The clinician will use physical evaluation and X-rays. To get a handle on specifics related to knee pain, they may conduct any of the following tests.


Bloodwork

Bloodwork checks for anti-CCP antibodies, an indicator of rheumatoid arthritis.


Fluid Tests

Doctors may draw knee joint fluid. If there are signs of uric acid crystals, that could be inflammation and gout. The tests may reveal bacteria as a symptom of infection.


Imaging

Besides X-rays, there may be MRI or CAT scans to get detailed images of soft tissue and bones. The process will also explore unexplained swelling or diagnose the injury.


The Nerve Block Process

There are different nerve block treatments. Doctors base approach to treatment on the pain's location. Besides the knee, doctors apply nerve blocking to the arms, backs, buttocks, legs, face, and neck.

 

The nerve block process consists of a local anesthetic injection. It's targeted to a nerve or group of nerves to lessen your pain. Depending on the condition, the local anesthetic may come with anti-inflammatory medication. It's applied to encourage healing damaged nerves.

 

The procedure is usually done on an outpatient basis. You lie on your side or stomach. Most likely on an ultrasound or X-ray table. This gives your doctor easier access to injection points.

 

If you appear anxious, the doctor may offer a mild IV sedative. Your doctor will prepare this beforehand so that you can set up a ride home post-procedure. You'll also need to fast before the process for at least six to eight hours.

 

After they've numbed the area with a local anesthetic, the doctor will give the injection. Using video images provided by the fluoroscopy or ultrasound, the doctor can guide the injection to the precise spot. Generally, patients express only mild and momentary discomfort. Afterward, you'll be able to rest.


Potential Side Effects and Risks

Like any medical procedure, we need to consider the potential risks and side effects of nerve block treatment. They include:

 

●     Soreness or bleeding at the injection site

●     Unexpected bleeding

●     Worsening pain

●     Infection

●     Drug allergy

●     Nerve damage

 

Depending on the type of nerve block treatment, you may experience any of the following:

 

●     Trouble swallowing

●     Hoarseness

●     Red or drooping eyes

 

Anyone expecting to get a nerve block should remember the risks are rare. Your experienced and vetted pain management doctor takes every precaution to minimize any risks associated with genicular nerve blocking.


Length of Pain Relief After a Nerve Block

After treatment, you'll experience immediate pain relief. The duration can last several days or a few weeks. Results vary from one patient to the next. Some patients experience relief from one injection. Others require multiple nerve block treatments.


What to Expect After Treatment

Following treatment, your doctor will request you monitor the pain levels. Relief from pain occurs almost immediately after an injection. This relief should last at the very least a few hours.

 

If your clinician feels the reaction's good, that treatment resulted in significant pain relief, they may determine you're a candidate for the advanced nerve ablation. That's a process that cauterizes the nerves. A genicular nerve ablation can provide relief from pain for up to 18 months.


Alternative At-Home Treatment

While you can accept treatment for knee pain from your doctor, some at-home treatments may also help to lessen pain.


Weight Loss

The less amount you apply to your knee joints, the greater chance of improving the health of your knee. OARSI, and osteoarthritis foundation, recommend, over a 20-week period, you lose five percent of your weight.


Manage Movement

Performing strengthening exercises will improve your knee's mobility and function. It can relieve stiffness and pain. Aquatic aerobics and yoga can be helpful.


Cold and Heat Therapy

Physical therapy can show you how to use hot and cold therapy to manage stiffness and pain.


Assistive Devices

Where there's limited mobility because of knee arthritis, your occupational or physical therapist may recommend helpful tools. One example is a custom knee brace or walker.


Natural Remedies

Doctors may prescribe supplements or acupuncture for pain. Acupuncture looks to be an effective and helpful option when it comes to arthritis knee pain.


Pain Relievers

Ibuprofen, aspirin, and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications can help with osteoarthritis knee pain and inflammation. Your doctor can recommend appropriate doses for self-treatment.


Treatment at Pain Treatment Centers of America

If you are suffering from severe knee pain and haven't found any real relief, you should contact us at Pain Treatment Centers of America. We can provide much-needed information about genicular nerve blocks and other treatments that can help with severe knee pain. 

When Pain Isn’t Structural: Understanding Neuropathic Pain

June 26, 2026
Pain is often associated with injury, arthritis, or another structural problem in the body. However, not all pain comes from damaged bones, joints, muscles, or tissues. Sometimes, the nervous system itself causes discomfort. This pain is called neuropathic pain and can greatly affect quality of life. At Pain Treatment Centers of America, we help patients determine the source of their symptoms and develop personalized plans to manage chronic nerve pain effectively. What Is Neuropathic Pain? Neuropathic pain happens when nerves are damaged, irritated, or dysfunctional. Unlike pain from injury or inflammation, it results from abnormal signaling within the nervous system. These disrupted signals cause the brain to sense pain even without ongoing tissue damage. Patients commonly describe neuropathic pain as burning, tingling, shooting, electric-like, or stabbing. Some may experience numbness, elevated sensitivity to touch, or pain that seems disproportionate to any physical findings. Common Causes of Neuropathic Pain Neuropathic pain can develop from a variety of conditions that affect the nerves or nervous system. Some common causes include: Diabetes-related nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy) Herniated discs are causing nerve compression Shingles and postherpetic neuralgia Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) Multiple sclerosis Spinal cord injuries Stroke-related nerve damage Chemotherapy-induced neuropathy Symptoms can vary widely, so proper evaluation is key for accurate diagnosis and efficient treatment. Neuropathic pain is often challenging to identify because imaging exams like X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs may not always reveal the source of the problem. Patients may experience significant pain despite having slight structural abnormalities. A complete evaluation includes medical history, physical exam, neurological assessment, and diagnostic tests when needed. Identifying nerve involvement is critical because neuropathic pain often responds differently to treatment than musculoskeletal pain. Treatment Options for Neuropathic Pain Successful treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause when possible while reducing symptoms and improving function. Depending on the patient’s condition, treatment options may include: Medication management designed specifically for nerve pain Nerve block injections Physical therapy and rehabilitation Spinal cord stimulation Lifestyle alterations Interventional pain management procedures Many benefit from an approach that combines several therapies for the best outcomes. When to Seek Professional Care Persistent burning, tingling, numbness, or shooting pain should not be ignored. Early diagnosis and treatment prevent worsening symptoms and improve long-term outcomes. If you have ongoing pain not connected to a structural injury, it may be time to explore if neuropathic pain is the cause. An extensive evaluation can determine the source of your symptoms and identify the most effective treatments. Personalized Neuropathic Pain Treatment at Pain Treatment Centers of America At Pain Treatment Centers of America, we understand that chronic pain is complex and every patient’s experience is unique. Our team uses sophisticated diagnostic tools and evidence-based treatments to identify nerve-related pain and create individualized care plans to improve comfort, mobility, and quality of life. If you are experiencing persistent nerve pain symptoms, schedule a consultation with Pain Treatment Centers of America today. Together, we can develop a treatment plan designed to help you regain control of your daily activities and move toward lasting relief.
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Understanding Medications & Pharmacologic Options for Pain Management

By Bob Berendsen • February 1, 2026
Chronic or acute pain has the potential to significantly impact your daily life, making even everyday tasks a hassle. Pain Treatment Centers of America believes that knowing your medication options is a crucial step in building an appropriate, personal pain management strategy. While many treatment options are available, pharmacologic therapy has been the peak of comprehensive care. Types of Medications Used in Pain Management Pain medications are not universalized. The selection of the right prescription depends on the pain type, severity, and medical history. Common categories include: 1. Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, tend to be the first line of defense for low levels of pain. They reduce swelling and provide comfort associated with conditions like arthritis, back pain, or joint injuries. In some patients, however, they can affect the stomach or kidneys. Therefore, careful studying and dosing guidance from a professional is key. 2. Acetaminophen Acetaminophen is mostly for general pain reduction and is sometimes combined with other treatments. Unlike NSAIDs, it doesn’t target swelling. Nonetheless, it can be effective for pain relief and daily improvement. 3. Muscle Relaxants For pain caused by muscle spasms or tension, muscle relaxants can provide relief. These medications work by calming overactive muscles and are usually prescribed for short-term use to prevent dependency or side effects. 4. Antidepressants and Anti-Seizure Medications Certain antidepressants and anti-seizure drugs can treat neuropathic (nerve) pain. They work by altering how the nervous system processes signals of pain throughout your body. Even if you do not experience depression or seizures, these medications assist with pain control. 5. Opioids Opioids are strong pain-relieving medications chosen for more potent pain when other options aren’t doing the trick. At Pain Treatment Centers of America, we practice strict guidelines to minimize risks, evaluate patient progress, and ensure healthy, responsible use. A combination of Opioids can be introduced to other treatments as part of a multimodal pain management plan. Personalized Pain Management The effectiveness of medications is best when combined with other therapies; physical therapy, interventional procedures, and lifestyle changes. We work closely with each patient to structure a plan that focuses on the root cause of pain, not just the signs. Every treatment plan is carefully engineered, giving thought to variables like medical history, existing conditions, and possible side effects. Patients are taught how to use the medication safely, dosing schedules, and expectations of each prescription. Take the Next Step Understanding your medication options enables you to take charge of your pain and improve your life overall. If you’re having issues with chronic or acute pain, our professionals at Pain Treatment Centers of America will gladly help. We mix the most up-to-date pharmacologic therapies with personalized care to provide comfort, improve function, and enhance your total well-being. Schedule a consultation today to learn which pain management medications are a good fit.
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