A saphenous nerve block is a procedure used to relieve leg pain caused by conditions affecting the saphenous nerve.
The saphenous nerve is one of the main branches of the femoral nerve and extends from the thigh to the foot, providing sensation in the inner leg and ankle.
At the Clínica San Román Pain Management Unit, the saphenous nerve block is an effective and minimally invasive option to treat chronic pain in this area, helping patients to recover their quality of life.
What is the Saphenous Nerve?
The saphenous nerve is a sensory branch of the femoral nerve, which provides sensation to the medial (inner) part of the leg, from the knee to the ankle and foot.
It is responsible for transmitting sensory signals, such as pain or touch, from the leg to the brain.
When this nerve is irritated or damaged due to injury, surgery or medical conditions, it can cause chronic pain, tingling or numbness in the leg.
Indications for Saphenous Nerve Blockade
The saphenous nerve block is recommended for patients suffering from pain in the inner leg and ankle, especially in cases where conventional treatments have not provided the necessary relief.
Some of the most common indications include:
- Traumatic injuries: Injuries to the knee, thigh or ankle that irritate or compress the saphenous nerve.
- Previous surgeries: Postoperative pain after knee or leg surgeries.
- Peripheral neuropathies: Conditions that cause damage to peripheral nerves, including the saphenous nerve.
- Chronic pain after vascular procedures or treatments for varicose veins.
How Does the Saphenous Nerve Block Work?
A saphenous nerve block is a minimally invasive procedure that involves the injection of a local anesthetic, sometimes combined with a corticosteroid, near the saphenous nerve.
This injection temporarily blocks the pain signals that the nerve sends to the brain, providing quick and lasting relief.
The procedure is performed under ultrasound guidance, which allows the physician to visualize the nerve and ensure that the injection is administered accurately.
This image-guided approach increases the effectiveness of the treatment and minimizes the risk of complications.
Benefits of Saphenous Nerve Blockade
This treatment has multiple benefits for patients suffering from leg pain caused by irritation or damage to the saphenous nerve:
- Rapid pain relief: The injection provides almost immediate relief by reducing the transmission of pain signals from the leg to the brain.
- Improved mobility: By relieving pain, patients can regain the ability to walk and perform daily activities without discomfort.
- Minimally invasive treatment: Unlike other interventions, this procedure does not require surgery, which minimizes recovery time and associated complications.
- Reduced use of pain medications: Patients can reduce or even eliminate their dependence on painkillers or anti-inflammatory drugs, which reduces the risk of long-term side effects.
- Prolonged relief: The effects of a saphenous nerve block can last for weeks or even months, depending on the patient and the cause of the pain.
Procedure and Recovery
The saphenous nerve block is an outpatient procedure that usually lasts 15 to 30 minutes.
It is performed in a treatment room equipped with ultrasound technology to guide the injection.
Prior to the injection, local anesthesia is applied to the skin to avoid any discomfort.
Subsequently, the specialist introduces a fine needle near the saphenous nerve, administering the anesthetic and, if necessary, a corticosteroid.
After the procedure, patients usually experience pain relief within minutes or hours.
Most can resume daily activities immediately, although it is recommended to avoid strenuous physical exertion for the first 24 hours.
Depending on the response to treatment, pain relief may last for weeks or even months.
When to Consider Saphenous Nerve Block?
The saphenous nerve block is an excellent option for patients suffering from chronic leg pain, especially in cases of peripheral neuropathies, postoperative pain or residual pain after varicose vein treatments.
This procedure is also recommended when other treatments have not provided adequate relief or when long-term use of pain medication is to be avoided.
At Clínica San Román, our pain specialists will carefully evaluate each case and offer a personalized treatment plan that may include saphenous nerve block, among other therapeutic options.
Conclusion
The saphenous nerve block is a minimally invasive and highly effective treatment to relieve chronic leg pain.
This procedure, performed at Clínica San Román’s Pain Management Unit, offers patients a safe and lasting solution, improving their quality of life and allowing them to regain mobility.
If you experience persistent leg pain and other treatments have not been effective, we invite you to contact us for a specialized consultation to explore how a saphenous nerve block can help you.
