Overview
Iovera technology is a part of innovative pre-surgical medical treatment. It is a minimally invasive procedure to treat peripheral nerves and provide immediate pain relief. Here in this blog, we will share fascinating insights on the iovera treatment to treat chronic knee pain.
Summary
- Iovera is a revolutionary medical treatment and drug-free alternative to reducing chronic knee pain.
- A healthcare provider uses a needle cooled with nitrous oxide to eliminate pain.
- In some cases, a person may experience mild pain, swelling, tenderness, and bruising.
- Pain management professionals suggest this treatment if the patient is considering having knee replacement surgery.
- The iovera procedure before surgery helps improve pain function and range of motion.
Is knee pain affecting your quality of life and preventing you from performing daily routine activities? The iovera procedure is the best available option to reduce pain.
The iovera treatment is the latest and most innovative pain relief technology. It is a drug-free alternative to block pain. During the procedure, the body’s natural response to cold is used to relieve chronic pain in the peripheral body parts, such as the knee.
How Does Iovera Treatment Work?
The iovera procedure does not involve the injection of any substance, drugs, opioids, or narcotics. The pain management specialist will apply targeted cold to a peripheral nerve. With the help of ultrasound, healthcare providers pinpoint the peripheral nerves in the knee. A cold region is formed under the skin that is cold enough to stop the nerve from sending pain signals to the brain. It does not damage the surrounding structures.
The entire treatment takes about forty-five minutes to complete. Most patients can drive back home after getting iovera treatment. They are allowed to resume routine activities on the same day. However, patients should follow the specialist’s recommendations to avoid stress on the joints.
Who Should Try Iovera Treatment?
This procedure is helpful if you are suffering from chronic knee pain. Pain management professionals suggest the treatment to patients who have arthritis-type knee pain. If you are undergoing knee replacement surgery, iovera is recommended. Also, if you are suffering from osteoarthritis, ligament strains, overuse, gout, or obesity, iovera treatment is effective.
Supportive image: Doctor examining patient knee
How Long Does Iovera Treatment Last?
This procedure will provide you pain relief until the nerve regenerates and function is restored. Generally, the effect of iovera treatment is immediate and can last up to 3 months. But the treatment outcomes vary depending on the individual and severity of the condition. One study suggests that most patients suffering from knee osteoarthritis have experienced pain and symptom relief beyond 150 days.
Could Iovera Treatment Replace the Need for Knee Surgery or Other Pain Relief Therapies?
The iovera procedure is usually performed before the traditional knee pain procedures, including knee injections or knee replacement surgery. It helps to manage pain during the surgery and in the critical weeks following surgery. The pain relief that a patient gets from this procedure is temporary. It does not treat the underlying disease for which the specialist has recommended surgery.
What Are the Side Effects of Iovera?
The iovera treatment is approved by the FDA and considered a safe treatment option to block pain. But your healthcare provider may suggest applying ice packs and temporary pain relief medications for a few days after the procedure. In some of the cases, you may experience some side effects. They include:
- Local pain
- Tingling or numbness
- Tenderness
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Pigmentation changes
How Much Does the Iovera Treatment Cost? Does Insurance Cover It?
Depending on the severity of the condition, a pain management specialist determines the price of an iovera procedure. Mostly, the treatment may be covered by insurance. Patients should ask the insurance provider about their insurance reimbursement rate and payment options.
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At CMW, consult our team of highly experienced pain management specialists to treat chronic knee pain.