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Reviewed By: Louise Chang,
SOURCES: Medical Reference from Medstar Television, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society, American Podiatric Medical Association.
© 1999-2011 Medstar Television
Pamela Arriaga (Air-ee-AH-gah) blames her sense of style for the soreness in her foot.
I only have it when I try to put on a nice heel or a nice boot with a nice heel.
Uncomfortable shoes aggravated a neuroma (Nuh-RO-mah), an inflamed nerve in the ball of her foot that creates a burning pain. Now she's asked her doctor to put out the fire.
Freeze.
The procedure, called cryosurgery (CRY-oh-surgery), literally puts the 'freeze' on foot pain.
The temperatures get close to about -70 degrees centigrade. So any inflammation that is occurring in the area is instantly calmed down.
It's like putting ice on an injury. Except in this case, doctors numb the foot and insert a probe to deliver it directly to the painful nerve area.
In doing so, what happens is that the outer layer of the nerve becomes stripped and the sensation of pain is no longer transmitted.
Podiatrist Doctor Zong says cryosurgery is an alternative to steroid injections.
The problem with those is that they have to be repeated many times usually for them to even have any sort of effect or work. Whereas the cryosurgery, it's usually a one shot deal.
The procedure requires a one-to two millimeter incision and takes about 20 minutes.
There may be some bruising. There may be some soreness. It usually doesn't last more than a week.
Putting the freeze on pain to get you back on your feet. For WebMD, I'm Damon Meharg.
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