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Arthritis is one of the most common chronic pain conditions across the country, affecting nearly a third of the population here in Texas. While there are many variations of this common condition, the most prevalent is osteoarthritis (OA), a degenerative disease that commonly affects the knees, hips and hands. It occurs when the cushioning cartilage between joints wears down over time, and it can be triggered by injury as well.
Those familiar with the condition understand the daily challenges of dealing with pain, stiffness, tenderness and loss of flexibility in the affected joint, as such symptoms often interfere with day-to-day activities. In fact, people living with knee OA report that the pain negatively impacts everyday activities including the ability to climb stairs, exercise and sleep. The effects are not just physical — 28% of patients have said that their mental health was negatively impacted by their ongoing pain and 90% of patients reported that it caused them to miss out on social events.
Additionally, despite 100% of respondents having tried some form of treatment, 97% still said their daily lives were negatively impacted. This may be an indicator that traditional treatment options such as over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications, ice and elevation, physical therapy and short-acting steroid injections aren’t providing the extended relief that patients are looking for. Further, 45% of patients reported using opioids or prescription painkillers to manage knee OA pain, however, they can often come with unwanted side effects such as dizziness or nausea, which can also impact the ability to complete daily activities.
Sometimes, knee OA progresses to the point where surgery is required. The pain associated with surgery, along with the recovery and physical therapy, ranks among the top concerns for patients undergoing a total knee replacement. It’s imperative that we find ways to ease these patients’ worries and set them up for a less painful recovery.
Fortunately, there are innovative treatments that can help alleviate pain in multiple stages of a patient’s journey with knee OA. One option that I’ve incorporated into my practice is iovera°, a non-drug, FDA-cleared device that utilizes extreme cold to block pain at the nerve source. By applying targeted cold to the specific nerves causing pain, iovera° stops their ability to transmit a pain signal. The procedure is done in about 30 minutes in a doctor’s office and can be used to alleviate pain in the knee, hip, shoulder, foot/ankle and even the neck. Iovera° provides immediate, long-lasting relief, as results for patients with OA of the knee can last for up to 90 days.
Iovera° can also help address pain before and after knee replacement surgery. In my practice, we administer iovera° about two weeks before patients undergo surgery. Since the relief is long-lasting, the procedure helps them to get through some of the toughest parts of the recovery with less pain. Patients who received iovera° as part of their recovery plan had greater range of motion and less difficulty bending or straightening their knee after surgery. These results allow them to have a smoother transition at home, focus on physical therapy goals and return to their daily routines with less pain. I often hear from patients, especially ones who had one knee replaced with iovera° and the other without, that they are extremely satisfied and believe that iovera° made their recovery easier.*
No matter where a patient is in their journey with OA, it’s important for those living with the condition to understand what pain management options are available to them and have open discussions with their doctor about what treatment is right for their individual needs. Innovations in treatment, such as iovera°, can provide lasting relief for patients struggling with OA pain or preparing for surgery, and allow them to get back to their daily activities with less pain.
To learn more about iovera° and find a local doctor offering this treatment, visit www.iovera.com/find-a-doctor.
For safety information, please visit www.iovera.com/risks.
* This is based on Dr. Brandon Broome’s experiences. Individual patient experiences may vary.
