CRYOTHERAPY neuroma treatment
Cryotherapy (“cryo” meaning cold and “therapy” meaning cure) is a minimally-invasive alternative to invasive surgery. Cryotherapy involves using extremely cold temperatures to treat localized areas of pain.
What Does Cryotherapy Treat?
Cryotherapy Treats:
- Fibromas
- Morton’s Neuroma
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Diabetic Neuropathy
- Heel pain
- Rebuilds muscle mass and strength in legs.
- Causes the brain to release endorphins which reduce pain in other parts of the body.
- Regrowth of the nerve paths to stop shooting pain and burning.
- Repolarizes nerve membranes that may have been disrupted by neurotoxins.
- Delivers pain relief during treatments.
- Supports a full restful night’s sleep.
- Eliminates burning, tingling, and numbness.
- Feeling returns to feet promoting better balance.
Benefits Of Cryotherapy
Six minute office procedure with a high success rate allowing you to walk out of the office, shower the next day and not miss any work!
How Does Cryotherapy Work?
By having the ice form around the actual nerve itself, the outer layers of the nerve sheath degenerates and, in doing so, decreases the nerve’s abilities to transmit the signal of pain. Over the course of the next couple of months, the nerve sheath regenerates again and in most cases regenerates without the inflammation and you are pain free.
Does Cryotherapy Work?
You bet it does! Just like applying an ice pack on the skin relieves minor aches and pains, cryotherapy has been shown to be very effective in relieving very painful foot conditions such as heel pain (plantar fasciitis), neuromas, and has been showing promising results in treating other conditions such as tarsal tunnel pain, tendonitis and may even be helpful in cases of arthritis and diabetic neuropathy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How painful is cryosurgery?
It isn’t painful at all. Plenty of local numbing medication much like novocaine is used, and patients generally don’t feel anything. This local anesthetic is usually isn’t injected into the actual site of your neuroma. Instead, anesthetic is injected into the top of the foot and the ankle, which soon makes the entire foot numb. Also note that the skin here isn’t very sensitive, so the injections are tolerated extremely well. Generally patients feel less discomfort than with dental injections. A podiatrist in Pittsburgh has performed cryosurgery hundreds of times and most patients complain of almost no pain.
How long do cryosurgery procedures take?
Cryosurgery takes under an ½ hour in most cases. A large portion of this time is the time it takes for the toes to go completely numb, and the actual procedure takes only minutes.
What do I do immediately after the procedure?
It’s a good idea to bring a driver with you, so you can sit in the back-seat and elevate your foot. For the next 24 hours, limit walking (short periods of about 10 minutes are OK). A Wexford podiatrist recommends that patients only walk for periods of less than 10 minutes immediately after the procedure.
When is it OK to return to more vigorous activities like running and sports?
In general we recommend that patients wait for as long as 2 weeks for a complete healing time from cryosurgery. Often less time is required (3 days). Ultimately, this depends on each individual patient and how they heal. Ask our podiatrist in Cranberry, Mars, and Seven-Fields.
How long does the average patient take to feel the maximum benefits?
Our patients know their body best, and we advise patients to “listen to their body.” Our clinical experience has shown that most patients feel the most benefits at about 3 months. Again, much of this is up to the individual patient and the level of discomfort (tenderness) they experience after the procedure.
Are there many cryosurgery complications? Risks of cryosurgery?
Cryosurgery is extremely safe and effective. In the vast majority of cryosurgery cases there are no complications whatsoever.
Is cryosurgery an experimental procedure?
No. For more than a quarter century cryotherapy has been used to treat many conditions. Practitioners using cryo to treat Morton’s neuroma typically see a greater than 80% success rate—even in patients who have had unsuccessful open surgery. Our podiatrist in Sewickley reports very high success rates and patient satisfaction.
Can cryosurgery help after traditional open surgery has failed?
Yes. Cryosurgery is an excellent option if previous surgery has failed. After a failed surgery, the remaining nerve stump may be encased in scar tissue, and freezing it is an excellent option. Cryosurgery can even work if a “stump neuroma” is present.
Is cryosurgery covered by insurance?
This depends entirely on what type of insurance plan you have. Some cover cryotherapy for Morton’s neuroma, but some don’t. It’s best to call our offices and we’ll check with your insurance company.
Can both feet be treated in the same visit?
Circumstances are different for each patient, but podiatrists almost always chooses to treat one neuroma at a time. Treating both feet during the same visit often causes an unnecessarily long recovery time.
I have both a Morton’s neuroma and a bursa problem. Can cryosurgery treat both?
These two conditions commonly occur together. Cryosurgery is an excellent treatment for both. Note that if the bursa is large and extremely inflamed, then a cortisone injection may also be necessary.
Does cryosurgery provide permanent relief?
The vast majority of patients have no recurrence of Morton’s neuroma, but recurrence is possible. A review of our case records shows that very few patients need a second treatment to resolve their symptoms.
Is there scientific evidence that cryosurgery is effective?
While not many large studies have been conducted, physicians who use cryotherapy generally get very good results. In our office in Robinson cryosurgery for Morton’s neuromas achieves an 70-80% success rate, and this is a conservative estimate. To put this question in perspective, there’s very little evidence that cortisone injections are effective for the long-term treatment of this condition.
Are there any pre- or post-care instructions for cryotherapy sessions?
Yes, there are pre- and post-care instructions that may be recommended for cryotherapy sessions to ensure safety and maximize the benefits. Here are some common guidelines:
Pre-care instructions for cryotherapy:
Stay hydrated: It’s important to drink plenty of water before your cryotherapy session to ensure adequate hydration, as the extreme cold temperatures can increase fluid loss.
Avoid alcohol and caffeine: Avoid consuming alcohol or caffeine before your cryotherapy session, as they can constrict blood vessels and potentially affect circulation.
Wear appropriate clothing: Follow the specific instructions provided by the cryotherapy center regarding what to wear during the session. Typically, you may be required to wear dry socks, gloves, and minimal clothing to allow for skin exposure to the cold.
Post-care instructions for cryotherapy:
Warm up gradually: After a cryotherapy session, it’s important to warm up gradually to allow your body to adjust to normal temperatures. Avoid jumping into a hot shower or hot tub immediately after the session, as it can cause extreme temperature changes and potentially harm the skin.
Can cryosurgery be used as a treatment for arthritis or other joint-related conditions?
Cryosurgery is not typically used as a primary treatment for arthritis or other joint-related conditions. However, it may be considered as a part of a multimodal approach in certain cases, particularly for pain relief.
Cryotherapy, which involves the application of extreme cold to the affected area, including joints, can help alleviate inflammation and reduce pain temporarily. However, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for arthritis or joint-related issues.
How does cryosurgery affect blood vessels in the treated area?
Cryosurgery affects blood vessels in the treated area in several ways:
1.Vasoconstriction: Cryosurgery causes immediate vasoconstriction, or narrowing of blood vessels, in the treated area. This helps reduce blood flow and minimizes bleeding during the procedure.
2.Endothelial Damage: The extreme cold temperatures applied during cryosurgery can cause damage to the endothelial cells lining the blood vessels. This damage can lead to the formation of blood clots, which help seal off the blood vessels and reduce bleeding.
3.Thrombosis: Cryosurgery can induce thrombosis, or the formation of blood clots, within the treated blood vessels. This is a desired effect in many cases, as it helps occlude the vessels and prevent further bleeding.
4.Inflammation: Cryosurgery induces an inflammatory response in the treated area, which can lead to the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis) as part of the healing process.
How does cryotherapy affect the surrounding tissues near the neuroma?
Cryotherapy affects the surrounding tissues near the neuroma in the following ways:
1.Targeted Freezing: Cryotherapy involves the application of extreme cold to the neuroma, which specifically targets the abnormal nerve tissue while attempting to minimize damage to the surrounding healthy tissues. The goal is to freeze and destroy the neuroma cells without significantly affecting the adjacent structures.
2.Localized Damage: The cold temperature can cause localized damage to the surrounding tissues, leading to a temporary inflammatory response. This is generally mild and resolves as the tissues heal.
3.Tissue Preservation: Because the cold is applied in a controlled manner, healthy surrounding tissues are less likely to suffer significant damage compared to other more invasive treatments like surgery.
4.Swelling and Bruising: Mild swelling and bruising of the surrounding tissues are common after cryotherapy. This is usually temporary and part of the body’s natural healing process.
Can cryotherapy be repeated if the neuroma symptoms return?
Yes, cryotherapy can be repeated if neuroma symptoms return. In some cases, the initial treatment may not completely eliminate the neuroma or the symptoms might reappear after some time. If this happens, additional cryotherapy sessions can be performed to further reduce or eliminate the neuroma.
Considerations for Repeating Cryotherapy:-
Effectiveness: Repeating cryotherapy can be effective in providing further relief, especially if the initial treatment was partially successful.- Cumulative Effects: Repeated treatments may have cumulative effects on the surrounding tissues, so it’s important to discuss potential risks and benefits with your doctor.
Assessment: Your doctor may perform additional imaging or evaluations to determine the best course of action before deciding on a repeat procedure.
Alternative Treatments: If cryotherapy is not as effective upon repetition, your doctor may suggest exploring other treatment options, such as corticosteroid injections, physical therapy, or surgical removal of the neuroma.
Call Sound Medical Technologies to learn how you can have this technology available on a case-by-case basis, without purchase or lease. We deliver and set up the machine and provide you with educational materials for patients. Assist you in providing the procedure. You maintain control of the patient relationship. You receive the reimbursement into your practice.
Are There Age Restrictions For Cryosurgery?
No! Cryosurgery does not have any strict restrictions on age, but it’s use depends on the condition that’s being treated as well as patient’s overall health, but this is how it goes in general:
1.Children: Cryosurgery is used rarely on children, but for certain conditions such as warts, or skin lesions, there might be a need of this treatment. Fortunately, it’s performed under a local anesthesia with special care so that the children can comfortably get treated.
2.Adults: Cryosurgery is mostly used by adults, therefore there are various uses if it for this age group, these conditions can include skin cancer, warts, and precancerous lesions.
3.Older Adults: Cryosurgery can be used on older adults, but the final decision depends on the patient’s general health, underlying conditions, and how the treatment will be handled.
Can Cryosurgery Treat Internal Tumors?
Yes, cryosurgery can be used to treat some internal tumors! The procedure is also known as Cryoablation, which involves a thin probe into or near the tumor to freeze and destroy the cancer cells. This treatment is used most commonly for smaller tumors in areas like kidneys, liver, lungs or prostate. This treatment is guided by imaging techniques, that includes ultrasound CT scans, so make sure tumors are targeted accurately. However, keep in mind Cryosurgery isn’t suitable for all types or sizes of internal tumors available, therefore patients will need to discuss the treatment with their doctor.
How Should I Care For The Treated Area After Cryosurgery?
Here are some tips that can help you care for the treated area:
-Keeping the area clean with mild soap and water
-Avoiding picking or scratching
-Limiting sun exposure
-Applying ointment, use the antibiotic ointments
-Monitoring the signs of infection such as swelling, redness or pus