The simplest way to describe what happens is to use the analogy of applying ice to an injury. One of the oldest treatments known to man is the application of ice to painful areas. This dates back to the time of Hippocrates who among his many accomplishments also wrote the first records detailing “ice therapy”.

The application of ice serves two purposes. First it reduces swelling and inflammation to the site at which it is applied and secondly, it causes a mild “numbing” effect for as long as it is applied. In fact applying ice is often still the first line of treatment for minor injuries. Athletes will often soak their elbows in ice baths or wrap their knees and shoulders in ice after games to help reduce swelling and muscle soreness afterwards.

Now think of how effective this “ice therapy” could be if the ice could be applied directly to the area of most pain (under the skin where the damaged tissue and inflammation exist) instead of just on the surface of the skin. In essence applying a concentrated ice pack directly to the damaged and inflamed tissues involved. Better yet, how about applying this ice pack directly on the nerves responsible for transmitting the sensation of pain? Would direct numbing of the nerve stop the sensation of pain? Yes it can, and that's how cryosurgery helps relieve pain.

NYC FootCare is the premier Cryosurgery Center for Feet in New York. Dr. Zong and Dr. Dina are the only certified Cryostar podiatrists in New York performing cryosurgery procedures on a regular basis. As the premier Podiatric Cyrosurgery Center in New York, you will be assured of receiving expert care by the New York's most experienced cyrosurgeons.

Although cryosurgery has been used in medicine for years it has just recently been introduced as an effective procedure for many painful foot problems. Recently FDA approved for podiatric use in June 2003, many patients have chosen cryosurgery as an effective alternative treatment to the traditional surgical methods of treating many chronically painful foot ailments.

The cryosurgery procedure for foot problems is a very simple office procedure that lasts from 15 minutes up to ½ hour. It is an elegant procedure in its simplicity and effectiveness. No special preparation is required prior to the procedure and afterwards patients are able to walk and resume normal activities usually within one day. Because of the numbing effect of the ice therapy, no special anesthesia is required (just a local anesthesia block in the office) and as such, the procedure is comfortably performed in the office.

You bet it does! Just like applying an ice pack on the skin relieves minor aches and pains, cryosurgery has been shown to be very effective in relieving very painful foot conditions such as heel pain (plantar fasciitis, heel spurs), neuromas, and has been showing promising results in treating other conditions such as tarsal tunnel pain, tendonitis and may even be helpful in cases of arthritis and diabetic neuropathy. Haven’t answered all your questions yet? Give us a call 1-888 NYC-FOOT and speak to Dr. Dina or Dr. Zong who will be very happy to discuss the procedure with you.