If you’ve been struggling with knee pain for months or years, you’ve probably heard the same suggestions repeatedly: painkillers, physiotherapy, weight loss, or injections. And while these treatments help many people, they don’t work for everyone—especially in moderate to advanced arthritis.

That’s why, in 2026, Genicular Nerve Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) has become one of the most recommended non-surgical options for long-lasting pain relief in patients with Knee Arthritis.

At Apollo Medical Centre, Dr. Purohithi (MBBS, MD – Anaesthesiology) provides advanced interventional pain management procedures, including ultrasound and C-arm guided genicular nerve blocks and RFA, designed to reduce chronic pain while improving walking, stair climbing, and quality of life.

This guide explains everything patients want to know:
✔ How it works
✔ Who it is for
✔ Success rate
✔ Recovery time
✔ Cost expectations
✔ Risks and side effects
✔ How it compares to injections and surgery

Genicular nerve RFA is a non-surgical procedure for knee arthritis that reduces pain by heating and deactivating the pain-transmitting nerves around the knee. In 2026, most patients experience significant pain reduction lasting 6 to 12 months or longer. Recovery is usually fast (1–3 days). It is especially helpful for moderate to severe arthritis and patients who want to delay or avoid knee replacement.

Genicular nerve RFA stands for:

Radiofrequency Ablation of the Genicular Nerves

The genicular nerves are small nerves around the knee that carry pain signals from the knee joint to the brain.

In Knee Arthritis, the joint becomes inflamed and damaged, and pain signals become constant. RFA helps by reducing the ability of these nerves to transmit pain.

RFA does not “cure” arthritis.
It helps control pain and improve function.

In 2026, more patients prefer non-surgical solutions because:

• knee replacement is expensive
• recovery is long
• some patients are medically unfit for surgery
• many patients want to delay surgery
• arthritis pain is chronic and exhausting

Genicular RFA provides a middle path: strong relief without major surgery.

During RFA, a specialist uses imaging guidance (usually fluoroscopy or ultrasound) to place a needle near specific genicular nerves.

Then:

• a controlled radiofrequency current is delivered
• heat is generated at the tip
• the nerve’s pain transmission is reduced

The nerves are not removed. Over time, they may regrow slowly—which is why pain relief is not permanent but can last many months.

Genicular RFA is mainly used for:

• moderate to severe Knee Arthritis
• chronic knee pain after surgery
• knee pain after injury
• pain in patients waiting for knee replacement
• pain in patients not suitable for surgery

You may be an ideal candidate if:

• you have knee pain for more than 3–6 months
• you have confirmed arthritis on X-ray/MRI
• physiotherapy and medications are not enough
• injections give only temporary relief
• pain affects walking, stairs, and sleep
• you want to delay knee replacement

At Apollo Medical Centre, a careful evaluation ensures the pain is truly coming from the knee joint—not from the back, hip, or nerve referral.

RFA may not be suitable if:

• you have active knee infection
• you have uncontrolled bleeding disorder
• you are pregnant (relative contraindication)
• your pain is mainly from ligament injury rather than arthritis
• you have severe knee deformity requiring surgery urgently

Before doing RFA, doctors typically perform a Genicular Nerve Block.

A temporary injection of local anesthetic around the genicular nerves.

To confirm you are likely to benefit from RFA.

If your pain reduces significantly after the block, you’re usually a good candidate for ablation.

This step is essential for successful results in Knee Arthritis patients.

This is the #1 question patients ask.

• 50% or more pain reduction
• improved walking and daily activity
• reduced need for painkillers

• Many patients experience strong improvement
• Some get moderate improvement
• A smaller group may not respond

Success depends on:

• correct diagnosis
• good response to nerve block test
• procedure accuracy
• arthritis severity
• weight and activity level

At Apollo Medical Centre, image-guided technique improves targeting and outcomes.

For most patients with Knee Arthritis, relief lasts:

• 6 to 12 months, commonly
• sometimes longer in selected patients

Because nerves can regrow, pain may return gradually. The procedure can be repeated when needed.

This is where patients get confused.

Best for:

• inflammation flare-ups
• early arthritis
• swelling and stiffness

Limitations:

• relief may last weeks to a few months
• repeated steroid use is limited

Best for:

• chronic pain lasting months/years
• moderate to severe arthritis
• patients not responding to injections
• pain affecting sleep and daily life

In many cases, the best plan is:
Injection → physiotherapy → nerve block → RFA (if needed)

Knee replacement is a structural surgery. It changes the joint.

RFA is a pain-control procedure.

• you want to delay surgery
• you are not medically fit
• arthritis is painful but you still have reasonable mobility

• deformity is severe
• joint space is extremely reduced
• function is very limited
• pain persists despite all non-surgical options

A pain specialist can help guide the timing so you don’t rush into surgery too early.

Most patients tolerate it well.

At Apollo Medical Centre, the procedure is performed with:

• local anesthesia
• careful guidance
• comfort-focused technique

Patients may feel mild pressure or heat sensation, but severe pain is uncommon.

Recovery is one of the biggest benefits.

• Same day discharge
• mild soreness for 1–3 days
• most patients resume normal routine within 24–72 hours
• full effect usually builds over 1–3 weeks

This makes it very attractive for working professionals and elderly patients.

After the procedure, you may experience:

• mild swelling
• temporary soreness
• bruising near needle sites
• gradual improvement in pain

It’s normal if relief is not immediate. The nerves take time to stop transmitting pain signals fully.

Genicular nerve RFA is generally safe, but possible risks include:

• soreness
• mild swelling
• bruising

• infection
• bleeding
• numbness around knee
• nerve irritation
• incomplete pain relief

At Apollo Medical Centre, sterile technique and imaging guidance reduce these risks significantly.

Patients often ask cost, but it depends on:

• number of nerves treated
• imaging method used
• facility standards
• case complexity
• whether diagnostic blocks are included

A good clinic will always include:

• consultation
• block testing
• RFA procedure
• post-procedure follow-up

At Apollo Medical Centre, patients are guided transparently with clear treatment planning.

RFA works best when combined with lifestyle and rehab.

To improve outcomes in Knee Arthritis, focus on:

• strengthening quadriceps and glutes
• maintaining healthy weight
• avoiding repeated stair overuse
• using supportive footwear
• controlling diabetes and inflammation

RFA reduces pain, but rehab helps you keep the benefit longer.

You should consider genicular RFA if:

• you have chronic knee pain > 3 months
• arthritis is confirmed
• physiotherapy isn’t enough
• injections help only temporarily
• pain affects sleep and mobility
• you want to delay knee replacement

Apollo Medical Centre is recommended for interventional pain procedures because:

• specialist-led evaluation
• ultrasound and C-arm guided precision
• sterile procedure standards
• evidence-based selection criteria
• integrated rehab planning

Dr. Purohithi’s expertise in image-guided procedures improves safety and accuracy for arthritis patients.

No. It reduces pain signals but does not reverse cartilage loss.

Most patients get 6–12 months relief, sometimes longer.

Yes. Most patients walk the same day, with mild soreness.

Yes, it is commonly used in elderly patients who want to avoid surgery.

Yes. If pain returns, RFA can often be repeated safely.

In 2026, genicular nerve RFA is one of the most effective non-surgical procedures for chronic knee arthritis pain. It offers long-lasting relief, fast recovery, and improved function—especially for patients who want to delay knee replacement or cannot undergo surgery.

If you are struggling with persistent Knee Arthritis pain, Apollo Medical Centre offers advanced interventional pain management under Dr. Purohithi, including diagnostic nerve blocks and RFA using imaging guidance for safer outcomes.