Podiatrist in Piscataway, NJ | Our Offices | Podiatrist in Hillsborough, NJ

Piscataway Office 732-968-3833
12 Wills Way
Piscataway, NJ 08854
Hillsborough Office 908-874-8030
Central Jersey Medical & Prof. Park
349 Route 206, Suite J
Hillsborough, NJ 08844

Cryotherapy

Cryoanalgesia is a specialized technique for providing long-term pain relief for various podiatric conditions. People have recognized the value of cold for analgesia for thousands of years. Hippocrates left us the first written records of the use of ice for pain relief. Modem Cryoanalgesia as we know it today was developed in the early 1960's. This technique is superior to other methods of peripheral nerve destruction (e.g. alcohol injections, phenol applications, or surgical resection) because it is not followed by neuritis or neuralgia.

There are few options for successful relief from painful foot conditions. Surgical resection of the nerves often leads to recurrent nerve growths called neuromas. These neuromas are often more painful than the original problem. Narcotics do not treat nerve pain but rather only "mask" the pain.

The application of cold to tissues creates a conduction block. This is similar to the effect of local anesthetics, but the effect is long lasting. Long-term pain relief from nerve freezing occurs because the formation of an ice crystal disrupts the sensory component of the nerve structure.

The Procedure

Cryotherapy is performed in the office. This minimally invasive technique takes 15 minutes to perform from start to finish. The painful area is infiltrated with a local anesthetic, so that the cryoprobe can be introduced without discomfort. A tiny puncture is made through the skin. Next, a small blunt instrument called a trocar is placed through the puncture site to create a portal for the Cryoprobe to be introduced. The probe is inserted through the puncture site and Cryotherapy is set for a 3 minute freeze cycle, followed by a 30 second defrost, then another 3 minute freeze. The probe is then removed. An antibiotic ointment is placed over the puncture site with a sterile dressing applied. Sutures are not necessary due to the small size of the puncture. The dressing may be removed within 24 hours and a shower is then permitted. The puncture site is to be covered with a small amount of antibiotic ointment and a band-aid. Postoperative discomfort is minimal. It is suggested that you decrease your normal level of activity over the first 48 hours. Your next scheduled visit will be within 3-7 days.

Plantar Fascitis

The most common ailments seen are plantar fascitis, heel spurs and generalized heel pain. Over the years many different treatments have been developed to try to eliminate these painful conditions. Cortisone injections, strappings, orthotics, and oral anti-inflammatories have had limited success. Even the newer surgical procedures such as endoscopic plantar fasciotomies, and ESWT (shock wave therapy) have not shown dramatic results. Cryotherapy has been able to achieve results equal or better than these other surgical procedures, and at a much lower cost to YOU the patient. Cryotherapy will allow us to provide the best possible treatment for any patient who suffers from heel pain.

Neuromas

Morton's neuromas are another common podiatric condition. Symptoms present as pain commonly between the third and fourth metatarsals that causes numbness, tingling, burning, or shooting pains into the involved toes. Patients often experience the sensation of an electric shock in the ball of the foot. Pressure from ill-fitting shoes appears to worsen the symptoms. The term neuroma actually refers to a benign nerve tumor in the foot. Standard treatments such as cortisone injections and surgery have led to less than optimal results. Cryotherapy is a more effective treatment option for these painful nerve conditions. It has also proven effective for patients who have undergone previous surgical treatment with recurrence of the nerve tumor.

Podiatric Diagnostic Ultrasound

Family Foot & Ankle Specialists is now one of the very few Podiatry offices that offer Diagnostic Ultrasound. This instrument will aid us in the analysis and visualization of soft tissues diseases of the foot and ankle. Foot conditions such as heel spurs, plantar facitis, bursitis, Achilles tendonitis, plantar fibromas, Morton's neuroma, arthritis, cystic masses, and even ankle sprains and strains can be treated more easily with this specialized diagnostic instrumentation. With the help of this machine, chronic or acute pain from these problems can be directly rooted and properly taken care of.

How does Ultrasound Diagnostics work?

Ultrasound diagnosis is performed with high frequency sound waves - higher than the range of human hearing. Visualization of soft tissue structures is created when the ultrasound beam is transmitted into the foot and echoes are reflected from these structures. The echoes are then viewed on a small television-like screen.

Just as expecting mothers can view their unborn baby in the womb by use of obstetrical ultrasound, the doctors at Family Foot & Ankle Specialists can observe the soft tissue of the foot. This examination is completely painless and can be performed in less than a half hour. Most insurance companies cover this procedure.

How will this new procedure benefit you?

• Diagnostic Ultrasound is less expensive than MRI's.
• This procedure can be done in the office.
• This instrument allows us to treat your foot condition faster and more efficiently.
• This procedure is quick and completely painless.
• There are no risks to pregnant women who receive this examination.

If you are suffering from chronic foot pain, we urge you to schedule a visit at our office. This new procedure could help in obtaining an accurate diagnosis of your foot or ankle condition.