Cryotherapy is a procedure that uses extremely cold temperature to destroy tissue. Destruction of tissue occurs when the cells are frozen, creating ice crystals that break the cell membrane. Cryotherapy can be used to treat a number of podiatric conditions, such as plantar warts and skin lesions. At Achilles Foot Clinic, we use the CryoProbe to quickly and effectively treat these conditions.
The CryoProbe is a portable pen-like instrument that uses disposable cartridges of nitrous oxide to deliver cryotherapy treatments with accuracy, ultra-cold temperature, and extreme pressure. The CryoProbe has different sized applicator tips that are selected based on the size of the treatment area. Lesions from 10 mm down to 1 mm can be treated, and the CryoProbe is the only cryosurgery device that treats lesions this small. The device’s pinpoint accuracy allows for the treatment of ONLY the lesion and not the healthy tissue surrounding it. This helps reduce the pain normally associated with cryosurgery.
During the procedure, cryogen is sprayed directly onto the lesion at constant -127 degrees Fahrenheit. This is also done at extremely high pressure, allowing for effective treatments that penetrate deeper to the bottom of the lesion. Because of this, the CryoProbe has unmatched success in treating plantar warts.
The CryoProbe requires no anesthesia or follow up care. Treatments are fast and effective! If you are interested in learning more about the CryoProbe and if it can work for you, contact our office today!
