Chronic knee pain – it can be a constant ache, a sharp twinge, or a dull throb that disrupts everything from your morning walk to that weekend hike. Whether it’s an old injury, wear-and-tear, or osteoarthritis, the result is the same: frustration and a yearning for a pain-free life.
But what if there’s a minimally invasive solution that doesn’t involve surgery? Cryoneurolysis, a groundbreaking technique, uses targeted cold therapy to disrupt pain signals at the source. This innovative treatment could be the key to unlocking lasting relief and getting you back to the activities you love.
In this blog, we’ll explore the world of cryoneurolysis: how it works, its potential benefits, and why the experts at MAPS might be the answer to your knee pain woes.
What Is Cryoneurolysis for Knee Pain?
As mentioned above, cryoneurolysis is an innovative medical technique that uses extreme cold to temporarily disable nerves that transmit pain signals in the knee. First, a small probe is inserted in the skin, providing access to the nerves around the knee. Then, the probe delivers bursts of extreme cold, freezing those nerves and preventing them from sending pain signals to the brain. In addition to relieving pain, this treatment can improve joint function and overall strength.
What Should I Expect with Cryoneurolysis?
If conventional treatments such as medications, physical therapy and injections aren’t working for you, cryoneurolysis may be a helpful alternative. Here’s a more in-depth look at what to expect from this procedure:
- Preparation: First, the area around your knee is cleaned and numbed with a local anesthetic. This minimizes discomfort during the procedure.
- Procedure: With the help of imaging guidance, a thin probe is inserted into the skin near the targeted nerves. Then, extreme cold is delivered to freeze the nerves.
- Recovery: After the procedure, you may experience some swelling or bruising at the injection site. These side effects are usually minimal and should resolve within a few days.
Some patients experience pain relief immediately, while others may take up to three weeks to notice results. For most patients, the effects will last around 90 days, or three months.
What Are the Benefits of Cryoneurolysis?
Despite being a fairly recent procedure, cryoneurolysis has shown considerable promise for treating chronic conditions such as knee osteoarthritis. Here are a few major benefits of this knee pain treatment:
- Minimally invasive: Cryoneurolysis is a minimally invasive procedure, which means it provides relief without bringing the complications found in surgical solutions.
- Quick recovery times: Since the procedure is minimally invasive, most patients can resume their normal activities fairly quickly.
- Reduced dependence on medications: By providing pain relief, cryoneurolysis can reduce dependence on pain medications that may otherwise cause side effects.
Is Cryoneurolysis Right for You?
Its minimally invasive nature, coupled with its fast-acting results, makes cryoneurolysis an increasingly popular solution. You should consider this treatment if you meet any of the following conditions:
- You need immediate relief: Debilitating pain makes it extremely difficult to get through daily life. Cryoneurolysis can deliver the relief you need to manage your regular activities.
- You want to delay surgery: Depending on your condition, you may need surgery to treat your knee pain. If it’s an inconvenient time for you to receive surgery, cryoneurolysis can provide relief while you wait.
- Other treatments don’t work: If you don’t respond to injection-based therapies, medication or other minimally invasive treatments, cryoneurolysis might help.
While cryoneurolysis offers many benefits, it’s not right for everyone. For starters, it’s a temporary solution—most patients experience relief for about three months before needing additional treatment. Furthermore, it may not be helpful for certain knee conditions. Before starting treatment, our team will conduct an initial consultation to learn more about your unique health condition. Then, we’ll determine whether you’re a good candidate and get to work on your personalized knee pain treatment plan.
Contact Our Knee Pain Doctors in Chicago Today!
Is knee pain affecting your quality of life? At MAPS, we offer a team of double-board certified doctors who specialize in compassionate, patient-centered care. Using minimally invasive, personalized solutions, we help patients overcome chronic pain and achieve long-term relief. Schedule a knee pain consultation today!