iovera° Cryoneurolysis

Non-opioid nerve pain relief for the knee, leg, ankle, and foot

Persistent nerve-related pain can make walking, exercise, and everyday activities difficult. At Dr. Kamel Foot & Ankle, iovera° cryoneurolysis offers a non-surgical option for selected patients seeking relief beyond medication or repeated injections.

Dr. Kamel has offered iovera° for knee osteoarthritis pain and now uses the same technology for appropriate nerve-related pain in the lower extremity. Each treatment plan is based on the source of your pain, your diagnosis, and your medical history.

What is iovera° cryoneurolysis?

iovera° is an FDA-cleared system that uses precisely controlled cold to temporarily block pain signals from targeted peripheral nerves. This process is called cryoneurolysis. The pain-relieving treatment does not deliver an opioid or other medication to the nerve; a numbing agent is used to make the procedure more comfortable.

A small probe placed through the skin creates a localized cold zone around the targeted nerve. The effect is temporary. Treatment can provide immediate relief, and relief may last up to 90 days. The amount and duration of relief vary from person to person.

iovera° for knee osteoarthritis

At our practice, iovera° has become a frequently requested option for patients with knee osteoarthritis who want to explore non-surgical, non-opioid pain relief. It may be considered for patients preparing for knee replacement, as well as those hoping to delay or avoid surgery.

The goal is to reduce pain and help make movement more comfortable. iovera° addresses pain signaling; it does not reverse arthritis or replace treatment of the underlying joint condition.

Nerve-related pain in the leg, ankle, and foot

As a foot and ankle specialist, Dr. Kamel may consider cryoneurolysis for selected patients with:

• Chronic ankle arthritis pain.
• Midfoot arthritis pain.
• Morton’s neuroma and other forefoot nerve pain.
• Persistent nerve pain following foot or ankle surgery.
• Other peripheral nerve pain in the lower extremity that has not responded to conservative care.

These are physician-directed uses based on each patient’s condition and history. Having one of these diagnoses does not automatically mean iovera° is appropriate. Dr. Kamel will evaluate the involved nerve and discuss the expected benefits, risks, and alternatives before recommending treatment.

What to expect at your appointment

1. Evaluation: Dr. Kamel reviews your symptoms, diagnosis, prior treatments, and medical history to determine whether targeted nerve treatment may help.
2. Numbing the area: A local numbing agent is applied or injected to minimize discomfort.
3. Targeted cold treatment: A handheld device and small probe deliver controlled cold to the selected nerve. Treatment typically takes about 30 minutes in the office, although timing depends on the treatment area.
4. Aftercare: You receive instructions tailored to the area treated and your activity needs, along with a plan for follow-up.

Potential benefits and treatment expectations

iovera° provides a drug-free mechanism for pain relief without a surgical procedure. For appropriate patients, it may offer a way to manage pain with less reliance on opioids, long-term anti-inflammatory medication (NSAIDs), or repeated medication injections. Any changes to your medication plan should be discussed with your treating clinician.

Relief may begin immediately and last up to 90 days, but it is not guaranteed. Your response and recovery plan depend on the nerve treated and the cause of your symptoms. Pain relief is one part of an individualized care plan.

Risks and who should avoid treatment

Possible side effects include temporary bruising, swelling, redness, tenderness, and numbness or other changes in sensation at the treatment site. Other possible effects include skin injury, changes in skin color, skin dimpling, or temporary changes in muscle function.

iovera° should not be used if you have hypersensitivity to cold or open or infected wounds near the treatment area. Tell Dr. Kamel about your medical conditions and medications so he can determine whether treatment is suitable for you. The consultation includes a discussion of risks, benefits, and alternatives.

Is iovera° right for you?

If you have nerve-related pain in your knee, leg, ankle, or foot that has not improved with conservative care, ask Dr. Kamel whether iovera° could fit into your treatment plan. Individual results vary, and not every type of pain responds to targeted nerve treatment.

Call 909.525.4406 or request an appointment online to schedule a consultation at Garey Orthopedic in Pomona, serving Claremont and the Inland Empire.

Learn more about cryoneurolysis

• What is iovera°? — iovera° patient information and safety details
• How iovera° works
• Cryotherapy for nerve pain — University Foot & Ankle Institute

This information is educational. An individual consultation is needed to determine the right treatment for your condition.