Iovera

Osteoarthritis of the knee can have a significant impact on your level of comfortable movement. As such, it can significantly affect your overall quality of life. When you’re in pain more often than not, you might feel overwhelmed by your treatment options. Is surgery the only solution? Do you need to get yet another prescription for pain management? There’s an in-between option that may be perfect for you, iovera°.

What is iovera° and How Does it Work?

iovera° is a medical device made that’s been designed specifically for the management of pain and stiffness associated with knee osteoarthritis. It works through what is called “cryoanalgesia” (cry-oh-ann-al-gee-zee-ah). Using a patented system, your provider can deliver cold therapy that acts as a drug-free, surgery-free nerve block to the area of the knee that is experiencing pain. The focused cold therapy creates a tiny ball of ice under the skin, right around the nerve that is sending pain signals to the brain. This disables the nerve for several weeks and alleviates pain, allowing you to get back to a higher quality of life. Over time, the effects of the nerve block diminish and the nerve signals are restored. As needed, subsequent treatments can be performed, provided that you continue to meet the criteria for candidacy.

What Kind of Results Are Possible with iovera°?

You can expect to feel an immediate shift from pain to comfort when you receive iovera°. This is one of the numerous benefits this treatment offers. As soon as the “ice ball” is created around the nerve, pain signals are shut down. According to clinical studies, patients who received iovera° experienced pain relief that continued for up to 90 days. Additionally, they noticed that the stiffness that had limited their range of motion had lessened. The increased physical mobility of the knee joint lasted from 30 to 90 days in most study participants. We anticipate that our patients will achieve similarly satisfying results.

Are there Any Side Effects Associated with iovera°?

Studies have indicated that some patients may experience certain side effects after receiving iovera°. These include tingling or numbness, bruising, swelling, and localized tenderness or pain. These side effects, if they do occur, typically resolve without medical intervention.

When considering which type of treatment is best for osteoarthritis of the knee, side effects are one of several aspects to evaluate. Other common osteoarthritis treatments include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen, opioid medications like hydrocodone, injectable corticosteroids, or injections of hyaluronic acid, platelet-rich plasma, or other approved medications and substances. Each of these options has advantages and disadvantages. Some, like narcotic pain medications, hold the risk of becoming addicted. Some take months to work, and some are experimental. Even over-the-counter medications can cause side effects like nausea and heartburn. The innovative method of delivery and mechanism of action in the iovera° procedure make it suitable for most people who want to avoid unnecessary side effects.

Schedule a Consultation to Learn More about iovera° at Redwood Orthopaedic Surgery Associates Today!

Our orthopedic practice has served Sonoma County and Northern California since 1970! We’re here to help you understand your options and how each may work to improve your mobility and quality of life. Contact us today at (707) 544-3400 to schedule a visit.