Is There a Viable Alternative to Knee Replacement?

Many people experience symptoms of arthritis in their knees, which can cause a great deal of pain. Positioned between the three bones of the knee, the articular cartilage provides a smooth gliding surface and acts as a shock absorber. This cartilage is smooth and flexible but susceptible to wear and tear. When cartilage begins to wear away, leaving the bones to rub together, this causes a great deal of swelling, pain, stiffness, weakness, and limited range of motion.

Walking, standing, and exercising put a lot of strain on our knees. For example, when a person weighing 150 lbs. walks up a flight of stairs, they will place approximately 500 lbs. of pressure on their knees with each step. Not only is the knee one of the most intricate of all the joints in the body, but it is also the most susceptible to arthritis. Multiple types of arthritis affect the knees, but osteoarthritis is by far the number one type that surpasses all others.

Osteoarthritis develops slowly, and often the pain becomes worse with time. This type of arthritis is also known as degenerative joint disease because it is often associated with the aging process. But occasionally, this disorder can also affect younger people too. The pain can be debilitating and interfere with daily activities and undermine an individual’s quality of life.

Essential Questions to Ask Yourself:
1. Have you been suffering from constant orintermittent knee pain for an extended period?
2. Does the pain continue even with pain medications?
3. Do you want to avoid knee replacement surgery?
4. Have you had knee surgery and still have pain?
5. Do you want to avoid taking opioids and other addictive pain medications?

There is a unique non-invasive radiofrequency ablation treatment that is showing remarkable results for patients.

What is Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)?
With RF ablation treatments, the nerves that are damaged, narrowed, or impinged, are injected with a low-level of localized heat, causing the nerve to stop sending signals to our brain through an interruption in the nerve conduction. This procedure is entirely safe and effective. It has been used for many years with long-lasting results.

How COOLIEF* RFA Treatment is Different
Radiofrequency ablation deactivates the nerves responsible for sending pain signals to the brain. COOLIEF* is the only currently known radiofrequency pain management system using water-cooled technology to safely deactivate pain-transmitting sensory nerves, allowing a larger treatment area and therefore, a greater chance at targeting pain-causing nerves. COOLIEF* is clinically proven to provide long-term pain relief, improve physical functionality, and reduce drug utilization.1

COOLIEF* RFA Benefits
1. Pain relief for up to 12 months
2. Improved mobility & physical function
3. Quick recovery time (pain relief is typically seen within 1 to 2 weeks)
4. No opioid recovery medication, which is often prescribed after knee surgeries
5. No overnight hospital stay (outpatient procedure/no anesthesia)
6. No incision

In a recent clinical study comparing the effectiveness of COOLIEF* Cooled Radiofrequency vs. intra-articular steroid injections to treat OA knee pain, COOLIEF* was found to provide significantly greater and long-lasting pain relief, improved physical function, and higher patient satisfaction than steroid injections.

Integrative Pain Management of Naples
Although surgery is critical in certain situations, finding conservative, alternative methods to treat the underlying condition is always the first step for Integrative Pain Management of Naples. They treat all types of pain throughout the body, such as neck and back pain, joint pain, pain from shingles, migraines, fibromyalgia, and much more.

Dr. Ranasinghe explained, “We focus on patient-centered care, where the patient is an active participant in their treatment. The integrative approach utilizes innovative evidence-based treatments, as well as alternative medicine and encompasses prevention as well as therapy to promote optimal health and healing. All factors that influence health, wellness, and disease are taken into consideration, including mind and spirit.”

Chaturani Ranasinghe, M.D.
Dr. Chaturani Ranasinghe is a double board-certified Anesthesiologist and Interventional Pain Medicine physician. Dr. Ranasinghe is educated and experienced in all aspects of pain management, including the entire range of pain management procedures, including Radiofrequency ablation procedures and Spinal Cord Stimulation. However, she began to notice a trend in her patient’s own request for more holistic options for pain relief. She took it upon herself to learn and utilize acupuncture in her treatments and incorporated other alternative healing methods into her management of pain. Her decision to open a facility in Naples is founded on enabling the patient to be highly involved in a truly integrated approach.

With her knowledge and the use of advanced medicine, she has been able to help many patients who had little hope of a functional life. Dr. Ranasinghe consistently works to bring patients the education they need as she believes that well-educated patients have the best chance for pain-free lifestyles.

To schedule your appointment, please call 239-234-2448, or to learn more, please visit their website at ipmnaples.com.

Source: https://www.mycoolief.com/about/