Does knee pain have you thinking twice about taking the stairs, walking the dog, or even standing long enough to fold laundry or cook dinner? Chronic knee pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical treatment, and it can make everyday activities feel like a chore.
While many people worry that persistent knee pain automatically means they need an invasive procedure, surgery isn't always the next step. In many instances, minimally invasive interventional therapies can help. At Superior Pain Relief, that may include state-of-the-art iovera° treatment. Here, Zaid Malik, MD, and our team explain how it works.
Many people with knee pain try to dull their symptoms with medication. While this may provide some relief, at least temporarily, it doesn’t target the underlying cause of your knee pain. Most patients find that they need to take more and more medication to continue to find relief, which increases the risks of side effects like stomach upset.
Nonsurgical iovera° works differently, using a special technique called cryoneurolysis to temporarily deaden the nerves responsible for your painful symptoms. Iovera° temporarily prevents nerves from sending pain signals to your brain, preserving the nerve’s natural underlying function.
Dr. Malik performs the iovera° procedure right in our office using a handheld device designed to target specific nerves without harming surrounding tissue. The technique itself is minimally invasive — no large incisions or general anesthesia required, and most treatments take less than an hour.
Before recommending iovera°, Dr. Malik performs a thorough exam and nerve testing to identify the nerves most likely contributing to your pain. That personalized approach helps ensure treatment is tailored to your symptoms instead of relying on a one-size-fits-all solution.
For many people plagued with knee pain, finding a solution that provides fast relief may seem like an unattainable goal. But with iovera°, pain relief is generally quick, beginning not long after treatment — meaning you can feel better and get back to the activities you enjoy without risking pain.
That relief lasts for as long as 90 days, giving you the chance to walk more comfortably, navigate stairs with greater confidence, and get back to social activities you’ve been missing. Plus, it helps you participate more actively in physical therapy focused on improving your strength and comfort level.
Because it targets the nerves responsible for your symptoms, iovera° may also help reduce the need for pain medication and even delay or avoid the need for surgery in the future. And finally, because it’s minimally invasive, Dr. Malik can repeat iovera° treatment when its benefits wear off for a long-term pain management plan you can control.
This advanced procedure can be a good option if you’ve been struggling with chronic knee pain and haven’t found relief through other methods, such as medication or physical therapy. It can also be a good choice for helping you prepare and recover from knee replacement surgery.
The only way to know whether iovera° is the right approach for your knee pain is by scheduling a comprehensive exam and evaluation with Dr. Malik. During your visit, he reviews your symptoms, medical history, and treatment goals so he can recommend a personalized plan designed to help you move more comfortably.
Don’t let your painful knees keep slowing you down. To finally find a solution that works for you, request an appointment online or over the phone at Superior Pain Relief. We’re conveniently located in Baytown, Willis, and The Woodlands, Texas.
