Chronic knee pain affects nearly 25% of adults 55 and older. The most common cause is osteoarthritis (OA), but it can also occur because of trauma or general wear-and-tear.
Many people use over-the-counter or prescription pain medication to help relieve knee pain, but it isn’t a permanent solution, and long-term use may increase the risk of side effects. Physical therapy and surgery may also help relieve pain, but results aren’t guaranteed. A growing number of people are exploring other therapies, such as COOLIEF*.
At LiveWell Pain Management, interventional pain doctor Nora Taha, MD, uses COOLIEF* to help manage chronic knee pain. This article explains why chronic knee pain happens and how COOLIEF* may help.
Several parts of the nervous system play a role in chronic knee pain. For example, if you have an injured knee or arthritis, sensory nerves around the joint detect inflammation and other painful stimuli. These nerves then transmit pain signals through your nervous system to your brain.
Sometimes, these nerves continue sending pain signals even after the initial injury or inflammation has improved. When that happens, pain becomes chronic and can be more challenging to treat.
COOLIEF* is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure that uses cooled radiofrequency (RF) energy to target specific sensory nerves around your knee. Instead of treating the underlying joint damage or disease responsible for chronic knee pain, it reduces your nerves’ ability to send pain signals to your brain.
The RF technology that COOLIEF* uses is beneficial because it extends the treatment area around the probe. That means it can target a larger range of nerves, potentially offering long-lasting pain relief with no need for a more invasive treatment like surgery.
After COOLIEF* treatment, many people experience a reduction in knee pain. This allows them to:
Often, a single COOLIEF* treatment provides noticeable pain relief for up to 24 months. If your knee pain recurs or worsens, Dr. Taha can determine if follow-up treatment is appropriate.
The easiest way to determine whether you’re a candidate for COOLIEF* is to undergo an evaluation with Dr. Taha. After discussing your symptoms, conducting a physical exam, and completing diagnostic imaging if necessary, she can make personalized treatment recommendations.
COOLIEF* is safe and typically well-tolerated. It’s helped many people with chronic knee pain move more comfortably and confidently.
To learn more about the benefits of COOLIEF*, request an appointment online or call the nearest LiveWell Pain Management office in Elmwood Park, Englewood, or Paramus, New Jersey.
