Community Corner
Discover an Innovative Solution for OA Pain
OA can damage any joint, but most commonly affects the hands, knees, hips, shoulders, and spine.
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 1 in 5 adults in the United States has some form of arthritis. The most common form of arthritis, osteoarthritis (OA), is a degenerative disease that occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones wears down over time. OA can damage any joint, but most commonly affects the hands, knees, hips, shoulders, and spine. Symptoms from OA – including pain, stiffness, tenderness, loss of flexibility, swelling, and more – can develop slowly and worsen over time.
Despite the prevalence of OA, pain management solutions and treatment options are lacking. Many times, patients turn to options such as over-the-counter (OTC) medication (acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen), ice and elevation, physical therapy, shorting-acting steroid injections, or injectable hyaluronic acid gels to help manage their pain. However, these treatments often fall short of providing effective pain relief for an extended period of time.
In fact, a recent survey on patients with knee OA or chronic knee pain found that nearly 3 in 5 patients (57%) have suffered from pain for more than 5 years, and nearly a third (32%) have suffered for 10 years or longer. After lengthy periods of suffering and dealing with pain relief options that fall short, patients are often prescribed an opioid prescription by their healthcare provider. About 45% of patients reported using opioids or prescription painkillers to manage knee OA.
Thankfully, innovations in pain management solutions have been made that are proven safe and effective for managing OA pain. One option that many healthcare providers have adopted is iovera°, an FDA-cleared handheld device that uses extreme cold to freeze the nerves causing pain. This freezing method is called cryoneurolysis, and it immediately stops the nerves' ability to transmit a pain signal to the brain. iovera° is a non-drug, non-opioid option that can be used to provide immediate pain relief in the knee, hip, shoulder, foot/ankle, and even the neck. The treatment takes about 30 minutes and can be done right in a doctor’s office, providing relief that can last for up to 90 days.
After receiving iovera°, patients shared that they felt immediate relief from pain and were able to get back to their everyday activities without their chronic discomfort. Studies have shown that 77% of patients reported continued pain relief 90 days following an iovera° treatment. iovera° can also be used before knee replacement surgery as a “pre-hab” option that helps alleviate pain before and after the procedure. At 2, 6, and 12 weeks after knee replacement surgery, patients experienced a greater range of motion and less difficulty bending or straightening their knee thanks to iovera°.
Treatments like iovera° are changing the landscape of pain management by providing immediate relief for chronic pain and expediting the recovery process. If you or a family member is experiencing ongoing pain, talk to your healthcare provider to discuss your symptoms and explore treatment options. Learn how iovera° can impact your pain management journey and visit https://www.iovera.com/find-a-doctor to find a local healthcare provider.
For more information, please visit www.iovera.com/risks.
This article is sponsored by Pacira BioSciences, Inc.
PP-IO-US-1255 8/24
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