Knee Pain

A genicular nerve block targets the three main sensory nerve branches supplying the knee joint — the superior medial, inferior medial, and superior lateral genicular nerves — with local anaesthetic injected under ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance. These nerves transmit pain signals from the knee joint capsule, synovium, and periosteum to the brain. Blocking them interrupts this pain pathway — providing significant knee pain relief without affecting muscle strength or joint proprioception. A diagnostic block (local anaesthetic) confirms that the genicular nerves are the primary pain source. Following a positive diagnostic block, genicular nerve radiofrequency ablation (RFA) or cryoanalgesia provides sustained relief for 6–12 months. Studies show 70–80% of knee OA patients achieve significant pain reduction with genicular nerve procedures. SurgiPartner's pain specialists perform image-guided genicular nerve blocks in Hyderabad — call +91 9030053009 for an assessment.

Both cryoanalgesia and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of the genicular nerves provide effective, sustained knee pain relief — and both are superior to single-injection procedures (corticosteroids, HA). The key differences: Cryoanalgesia applies cold (−70°C to −88°C) causing reversible nerve degeneration — the nerve regenerates along its preserved framework; effect lasts 6–12 months; no deafferentation risk. RFA applies heat (80°C) causing permanent neurolysis — the nerve must regenerate de novo; effect lasts 6–9 months; small theoretical risk of deafferentation pain with repeated thermal ablation. At SurgiPartner partner centres in Hyderabad, cryoanalgesia is the preferred technique for benign knee pain conditions due to its reversibility and repeatable safety profile. For patients with very severe OA pain who are awaiting knee replacement, the longer relief from cryo or RF is clinically valuable. Call +91 9030053009 for a personalised recommendation.

Yes — intra-articular PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) is one of the most effective injections for knee osteoarthritis, with multiple RCTs and meta-analyses demonstrating superior outcomes compared to corticosteroid and hyaluronic acid injections. PRP concentrates growth factors (PDGF, TGF-β, IGF-1) from the patient's own blood — these growth factors reduce intra-articular inflammation, stimulate cartilage chondrocytes, and improve synovial fluid quality. Studies consistently show: greater pain reduction at 6 and 12 months; improved function scores; better maintenance of joint space; and no cartilage toxicity (unlike repeated corticosteroid injections). PRP is most effective for mild-moderate OA (Kellgren-Lawrence Grade I–III); for severe OA (KL Grade IV), pain relief is achieved but structural improvement is limited. Typically 2–3 injections are given at 2–4 week intervals. SurgiPartner provides ultrasound-guided intra-articular PRP at partner centres in Hyderabad — call +91 9030053009.

Yes — for many patients with chronic knee pain including moderate osteoarthritis, significant pain relief and functional improvement can be achieved without surgery. The non-surgical treatment pathway: (1) Weight loss and physiotherapy — reducing load on the knee and strengthening the quadriceps significantly reduces OA progression and pain; (2) PRP or hyaluronic acid injections — biological and viscosupplementation treatments that improve joint environment; (3) Genicular nerve block with RFA or cryoanalgesia — providing 6–12 months of significant pain relief from a single day-care procedure; (4) Optimised analgesia — appropriate use of paracetamol, topical NSAIDs, and duloxetine (which has evidence for OA knee pain). Surgery (knee replacement) is indicated when all non-surgical options have been exhausted and pain and disability are severe. SurgiPartner's interventional approach allows many patients to delay or avoid joint replacement while maintaining good quality of life — call +91 9030053009.

Regular low-impact exercise is one of the most evidence-based treatments for knee OA — providing pain reduction, improved function, reduced stiffness, and psychological benefits. Safe exercises for knee OA: (1) Swimming — non-weight-bearing; excellent cardiovascular and muscular exercise without joint loading; (2) Cycling (stationary or road) — low joint impact; builds quadriceps strength; (3) Yoga and tai chi — improve flexibility, balance, and proprioception; reduce falls risk; (4) Walking — moderate pace on flat surfaces; build up gradually; use cushioned footwear; (5) Hydrotherapy (water aerobics) — water buoyancy reduces joint loading; (6) Quadriceps strengthening — particularly VMO (vastus medialis oblique) strengthening; straight leg raises, mini-squats, wall sits. Exercises to avoid with severe knee OA: running on hard surfaces; deep squats below 90°; high-impact aerobics; jumping. SurgiPartner coordinates with physiotherapists for an individualised knee exercise programme alongside interventional treatment — call +91 9030053009.

No — knee pain has many causes beyond osteoarthritis. In younger patients (under 50), the most common causes are: ligament injury (ACL, MCL, PCL tears from sports); meniscal tear (medial or lateral meniscus); patellofemoral pain syndrome (anterior knee pain from patella maltracking); patellar tendinopathy ("jumper's knee" in athletes); iliotibial band syndrome (lateral knee pain in runners); bursitis (prepatellar or pes anserine); and osteochondral defects. In older patients: osteoarthritis (most common); gout or pseudogout (crystal arthropathy — presents as acute red, hot, swollen knee); rheumatoid arthritis; Baker's cyst (popliteal cyst from posterior capsule distension — causes posterior knee pain); and referred pain from hip OA or lumbar disc pathology (which can present as knee pain despite normal knee examination). Correct diagnosis — with clinical assessment, ultrasound, and MRI — is essential before treatment selection. SurgiPartner's pain team provides comprehensive knee pain assessment — call +91 9030053009.

Interventional knee pain treatments including intra-articular injections (corticosteroid, PRP), genicular nerve blocks, and RF ablation/cryoanalgesia are increasingly covered by health insurance in India when performed for medically indicated chronic knee pain with appropriate documentation. PRP injections are covered under some policies, particularly for OA management. Physiotherapy is covered under outpatient benefits of most comprehensive plans. SurgiPartner's insurance team verifies specific procedure coverage for your policy and provides pre-authorisation documentation for all knee pain interventional procedures at partner hospitals in Hyderabad — call +91 9030053009.