According to the Arthritis Foundation, osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis, affecting more than 32.5 million adults in the United States. OA is characterized by the breakdown of the joint’s cartilage as well as changes in bone shape and inflammation. This leads to pain, joint stiffness and loss of mobility in the affected joints. OA can affect any joint but typically impacts the knee, hip and shoulder.
In 2022, it was found that 40% of the Medicare population in Hillsborough County, FL, were treated for OA or rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The effects of OA are not just physical – it can also hinder a person’s sleep quality, mood and everyday activities. A survey from 2022 even found that 28% of patients said their everyday mental health was negatively affected by their ongoing OA pain.
Many patients try to improve their OA symptoms with options including over-the-counter (OTC) medication, ice and elevation, physical therapy and more. Despite these efforts, many patients who suffer from OA pain will ultimately need joint replacement surgery for more permanent relief. Before or after surgery, patients may be prescribed opioids to help manage OA-related pain. However, prescription opioids can come with a host of side effects. This includes the risk of misuse, the potential for addiction, diminishing efficacy over time due to tolerance development, and the potential for adverse side effects.
If you or someone you know is living with continual pain from OA, it’s imperative to know that alternative options can provide effective, long-lasting pain management. One option many patients are turning to is iovera°, an FDA-cleared handheld device that delivers extreme cold to freeze the nerves causing pain, immediately stopping their ability to transmit a pain signal. As a non-drug, non-opioid option, iovera° can be used to provide immediate pain relief in the knee, hip, shoulder, foot/ankle and even the neck. The procedure takes about 30 minutes and can be done right in a doctor’s office, providing relief that can last for up to 90 days. Additionally, iovera° can be used before knee replacement surgery to help alleviate pain before and after the procedure, and has been shown to improve range of motion following surgery.
If you’re suffering from OA pain, and traditional therapies have fallen short for you, it might be time to explore a different treatment option. There are effective options, like iovera° available that can provide long-lasting relief, allowing you to get back to everyday activities. Don’t settle for ongoing pain, find a doctor in your area using iovera° to see if this innovative and immediate pain management option is right for you at www.iovera.com/find-a-doctor.
For more information, please visit www.iovera.com/risks.
This article is sponsored by Pacira BioSciences, Inc. PP-IO-US-1183 3/24
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