Anyone know anything about COOLIEF, a new procedure for knee pain?

@rmeddings I had a doctor mention that this may be an option for my neck pain in the future. It works on the same principle as Radio Frequency Ablation-RFA, which burns the nerves thus disrupting the pain signal. From my research, COOLIEF can treat a larger area than RFA. You might want to check out this link about COOLIEF. http://bit.ly/2rvBwoM
Could you share with us if you have taken any medicines or had any treatments for the nerve pain?

Yes, I have tried nerve blocks twice, to no avail. I have tried Lyrica, and also Gabapentin. Neither seemed to make a difference. I tried accupuncture for 6 months, and a lot iof supplements. It did seem to help a little. However , I'm still in constant pain. I just keep searching and hoping to find help !!

Hello @rmeddings. Like @sandytoes14 did, I also looked in to the COOLIEF website. It's disclaimer states that you should always talk with your provider about any procedure, including cooled radio-frequency treatment. My search on MayoClinic.org only turned up information regarding cryotherapy and use of freezing for cancer cells and topical cryotherapy for neuropathy pain. As Jen mentioned, Mayo Clinic does have a lot of information on radio frequency ablation. It would be wise to continue your research and present what you find to your physician.

@JustinMcClanahan this is something about burning nerves I never heard of but Edgar Cayce talked about RFA back in the 40',s wonder if it's the same thing! I,'ll have to look it up

Terrible results. I worry I am going to be permanently disabled and unable to bend my knee even enough to sit down properly. Hopefully over time, and with enough physical therapy it will get better but definitely not as advertised. The immediate relief didn't happen. The resting pain is reduced, but only providing I don't put any weight on the knee. Any bending of the knee past about 20 degrees results in pain. Most of the pain felt just above the knee cap where the quads attach, and directly behind the knee. In fairness to the Coolief folks their brochure does warn there is a danger of this; so buyer beware. I may just be one of the unlucky statistics.

Hello @dougm2866, Welcome to Connect. I'm sorry to hear the Coolief procedure didn't help but from what I've read it is like you say buyer beware. Here is a Harvard Health Ad Watch on Coolief.

"Most studies found few or no side effects associated with the Coolief procedure. Even so, the manufacturer warns of potential risks that include infection, nerve damage, increased pain — even paralysis and death. In part, this may be based on reports of cooled radiofrequency ablation in other areas of the body. Oct 15, 2019" --- Harvard Health Ad Watch: A new treatment for knee arthritis: https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/harvard-health-ad-watch-a-new-treatment-for-knee-arthritis-2019101518015

Have you thought about a total knee replacement?

Already had the knee replaced in left leg twice and still in pain. Thought the Cool Relief what was done the first time I had the injections--now doctor says I am eligible for the ablation for my knee. This was not explain well as I thought the injections was just a one time thing. It hurt as bad as a spinal tap I had when I was diagnosed with lymphoma. Any clarification?

Cool Relief provides temporary topical assistance, like Voltaren. However if after a knee replacement, it still hurts it begs the question of physical therapy. Or the knee pain after the replacement is an indication of other issues. My suggestion would be to look at clinical trials and even the use of stem cells. However, I would suggest a discussion with your orthopedic specialist. Stem cells seem to be most effective when they come from your body. Yet the thing about stem cells despite the hype, it is still considered experimental. Hopefully, your healthcare insurance is adequate. I also suffer from knee pain in both knees. I have started with the replacement of the fluid which helps somewhat but is short-term at best. My knees had to be chilled with nitrogen and it felt like a "root canal" procedure. I find Voltaren to reduce the pain level for a few hours.