In Nevada, over 477,000 adults have been diagnosed with arthritis and struggle with the pain it causes daily. Osteoarthritis (OA), the most common form of arthritis, impacts more than 32.5 million adults in the United States. OA is the gradual wear and tear of the protective cartilage, leading to pain, stiffness and limited mobility in the affected joints, including the knee, hip and shoulder. Many people who have OA find themselves dealing with it for prolonged periods of time. In fact, a recent survey focusing on individuals with knee OA revealed that 57 percent have experienced persistent knee pain for over five years and 32 percent for a decade or more.
When looking for pain management treatments, traditional over-the-counter remedies often lack the ability to provide continuous relief for those suffering from OA. Patients may also get caught in a cycle of temporary injectable solutions, such as steroid injections, that gradually lose efficacy. Prescription opioids are another typical pain management treatment; however, their associated side effects—such as dizziness, nausea, vomiting, constipation and even dependency—can make them an unideal solution.
Fortunately, advancements in modern medicine and pain management have led to the development of longer-lasting, non-opioid options. One alternative that many physicians are turning to for patients with chronic OA pain is called iovera°. This FDA-cleared handheld device delivers extreme cold to freeze the nerves causing pain, immediately stopping their ability to transmit a pain signal. A non-drug, non-opioid option, iovera° can be used to provide immediate pain relief in the knee, hip, shoulder, foot, ankle and even the neck. The procedure takes about 30 minutes and can be done right in a doctor’s office, with effects that can last for up to 90 days.
iovera° can also be used before knee replacement surgery to help alleviate pain before and after the procedure. It has also been shown to improve range of motion and proven to reduce the need for opioids after knee replacement surgery significantly.
When discussing knee replacement surgery with healthcare providers, recovery is a common concern for patients, particularly regarding the potential use of opioids for post-surgical pain management. On top of the risk of side effects and potential addiction or dependency, opioids may also hinder mobility, a crucial factor in expediting physical therapy and the overall recovery process. Research has shown that iovera° can significantly reduce the need for opioids after knee replacement surgery, with a 45 percent reduction in opioid use at 12 weeks post-surgery and a 68% decrease in opioids consumed during the hospital stay.
If you are suffering from OA pain or preparing for a knee replacement procedure, you can find a doctor in your area using iovera° to see if this pain management option is right for you at https://www.iovera.com/find-a-doctor.
For more information, please visit www.iovera.com/risks.
This article is sponsored by Pacira BioSciences, Inc. PP-IO-US-1142 11/23
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