Cryotherapy

What is cryotherapy ablation?

Cryotherapy (also known as cryosurgery or cryoablation) is a state-of-the-art treatment that utilizes extremely low temperatures to destroy nerve tissue painlessly and effectively. Cryotherapy nerve blocks prevent the transmission of pain signals to the brain, thereby relieving pain.

Despite its benefits, cryotherapy is not widely offered by foot and ankle practices. The primary barrier is the high cost of the cryotherapy machine and its specialized equipment, which makes it a significant investment. Additionally, performing the procedure requires specialized training and expertise, further limiting its availability.

What foot conditions does cryotherapy ablation treat? 

Cryotherapy ablation is one of the most effective treatment options for several painful foot conditions, including plantar fibroma, plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, and Morton’s neuroma. 

Ablation may be used for chronic back pain, as well as neck, shoulder, and knee pain.

How does cryotherapy for Morton’s neuroma work?

Cryoablation shrinks and destroys fibers in targeted peripheral nerves to reduce or stop the conduction and excitability of the nerve. A tiny ice ball on the end of the cryoprobe destroys damaged nerve fibers, blocking pain signals and allowing healthy sensory nerve regeneration.

In short, frigid temperatures damage targeted nerves, rendering them unable to send pain signals to the brain. Through a rapid and limited deep-freezing of the affected area, the chronic pain caused by the nerve is resolved with a simple and comfortable office procedure. 

Additionally, Dr. Bob Baravarian uses amniotic stem cell injections simultaneously, which can aid in tissue healing and help prevent scar tissue from forming around the nerve. 

Ultrasound-guided cryosurgery is similar to radiofrequency ablation, which uses radio waves to generate heat and destroy nerves. However, cryoablation differs from radiofrequency ablation in that cryo pain relief is often faster. In the long term, cryotherapy nerve ablation can stop future irritation and inflammation of the nerve.

Dr. Baravarian combines this ultrasound-guided non-surgical procedure with a nerve stimulator to enhance the accuracy of probe placement and the overall procedure’s success.

What to expect during cryotherapy nerve ablation?

Cryosurgery is a minimally invasive and relatively painless modality. You may feel a slight pinch from the needle when the local anesthetic is injected, but after that, you shouldn’t feel much more than light pressure during the surgery. A small incision is made, and the cryoprobe is inserted into the foot. The procedure only takes a few minutes.

Sometimes, the procedure does not fully treat the nerve pain on the first attempt, and a second or third treatment may be necessary.

Most patients find that after two or three treatments, their pain is significantly less or completely gone. In the rare case that cryoablation has little effect after two or three months, a different ultrasound-guided ablation procedure may be necessary.

Another significant upside to this procedure is that it doesn’t “burn any bridges,” in other words, Dr. Bob can easily remove the damaged nerve if this procedure does not work. 

What to expect after cryotherapy ablation?

After cryotherapy ablation, it is normal to experience numbness, swelling, or bruising. Some people may also experience a tingling or “pins and needles” sensation. 

There is minimal downtime, and side effects are usually temporary. You should be pain-free within a few days. In very rare cases, more serious side effects may occur, such as nerve damage or skin injury. If you experience any of these side effects, please contact your doctor.

Are there risks with cryotherapy? 

Side effects are rare but can include short-term bruising, infection, or frostbite at the insertion area of the probe. You may also feel a small lump in your foot at the site of the procedure. This generally goes away within three to six months and does not cause pain.

Virtually all patients who have had cryoablation have maintained full motor function with no inappropriate loss of sensation. 

If patients are unlucky enough to experience a return of Morton’s neuroma symptoms, the cryoablation procedure can be repeated, or other non-surgical treatments can be used.

Why trust Dr. Baravarian for cryotherapy? 

You can trust Dr. Bob to accurately assess your condition and provide one or several cryotherapy interventions. He is regarded as the premier group of foot and ankle specialists in Southern California.

You can rely on Dr. Bob’s decades of experience to develop effective foot and ankle therapies that restore the joy of activity, whether it’s all-out sports or simply a stroll around the park. However, he also understands when advanced therapies may be an ineffective and poor use of your health care dollars.

If you’re experiencing foot or ankle pain and haven’t received adequate pain management, and would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Bob Baravarian, please call (855) 557-5400 or make an appointment now.

Dr. Baravarian is an internationally recognized foot and ankle specialist. They use the latest technologies and treatment options available in a comfortable and family-friendly environment.

Dr. Bob Baravarian is conveniently located in Los Angeles, near Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, providing expert foot and ankle care for patients throughout Southern California.

Cryotherapy FAQs

What type of sedation is used during nerve ablation?

Local anesthesia is the most common type of sedation for foot nerve ablation. The area around the nerve to be ablated is numbed with a local anesthetic, ensuring the patient feels no pain during the procedure. The patient remains awake and alert.

What happens if nerve ablation doesn’t work?

In some cases, a repeat ablation might be suggested. Some nerves can regenerate over time, or the initial ablation might not have fully encompassed the affected nerve.

What is the success rate of cryotherapy for Morton’s neuroma treatment?

Research indicates that cryosurgery procedures can significantly reduce pain for those suffering from Morton’s neuroma. The success rates reported in various studies typically range between 70% and 90%, with no risk of developing a stump neuroma. Patients often experience relief from pain and improvement in foot function after undergoing this treatment.