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Innovative Cold Therapy Pain Relief
Posted on 11-07-2024 in Knee Osteoarthritis, Knee Pain, Sports Medicine & Pain Relief by Dr. Ryan Riggs
Posted on 11-07-2024 in Knee Osteoarthritis, Knee Pain, Sports Medicine & Pain Relief by Dr. Ryan Riggs
Recently, Dr. Ryan Riggs completed training on iovera°, an innovative pain relief treatment that uses extreme cold to stop nerves from sending pain signals to your brain. The system is safe, doesn’t damage or destroy any surrounding tissue and does not contain any medication.
How does it work?
The iovera° system is a handheld device that lets the provider apply just the right amount of extreme cold only to the nerves they want to target—the ones causing pain. This process delivers immediate pain relief in the time it takes for a routine doctor’s visit and can last up to 90 days.
The process begins with applying a topical numbing medication to the treatment area to manage any potential discomfort. The “Smart Tip” of the iovera° system is inserted into the skin, and the targeted nerves are blocked. In total, this takes about 30 minutes. Some patients describe feeling pressure or tugging during the iovera° treatment. Cold, warm and tingling sensations are also common, as well as some mild discomfort.
Who is the treatment suitable for?
iovera° has been cleared by the US Food and Drug Administration to help patients achieve pain relief related to knee osteoarthritis (OA). It is also an option for people who cannot have knee replacement surgery and as pre-operative analgesia for patients undergoing total joint replacement.
Learn more about iovera° from Dr. Riggs in the short video linked below. Ready to schedule a consultation? Visit our Online Appointment Request today.
Ischiofemoral Impingement (IFI) is a lesser-known but often painful condition affecting the hip joint. This condition arises when the ischium (a bone in the pelvis) and the femur (the thigh bone) come into abnormal contact, which compresses soft tissues surrounding the hip. While the discomfort typically manifests in the buttocks or groin, particularly when moving the hip or walking, it can also present as low back pain, making it challenging to diagnose early. Additional symptoms and causes include discomfort during prolonged sitting, reduced range of motion, stiffness and/or tightness in the hip area.
According to the American Academy of Physician Associates, over 178,000 Physician Assistants (PAs) practice across various specialties and settings throughout the United States. Each year, from October 6-12, we take the opportunity to recognize these outstanding professionals by celebrating National Physician Assistants Week. Our North Florida Bone & Joint Specialists Physician Assistants (PA) have dedicated themselves to delivering exceptional care to our patients, communities and the entire profession.
Chronic pain management continues to be a challenge for those looking for an effective non-opioid analgesia option. At North Florida Bone and Joint Specialists, Dr. Erik Nilssen and Dr. Josh Hackel provide patients with several alternatives, including Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS). Performed under local anesthesia on an outpatient basis, PNS is an extremely safe procedure that is noted to be effective in most individuals selected for treatment. PNS involves two steps. During the initial testing phase, the electrode is connected to an external device. If the trial is successful with pain relief, then a small lead or wire is implanted into the patient’s body under the skin.