Ultrasound is a unique technology that used to be reserved to medical practices and physical therapy offices. It does more than visualize babies. It can be used in physical therapy to help with painful scar tissue. The ultrasound works by sending ultrasonic waves to the sub cutaneous tissue which breaks up adhesion’s scar tissue and other tissues. Now ultrasounds can be purchased over the Internet at affordable prices. But, what foot and ankle conditions can ultrasound help with, and what conditions can ultrasound not have success with?
First the conditions Ultrasound will not help:
Bunion Pre surgical intervention- The pain comes from an inflamed Bursa, ultrasound is not helping that
Arthritis- Again Ultrasound will not help with this very much either. You may get an immediate relief but it will not last for any length of time
Fractures, Torn Tendons- Remember Ultrasound breaks up adhesion’s and in some cases can actually retard healing, in these situations not only is it not warranted, it may make things worse
Post surgical with fixation- Ultrasound cannot be used over any metal, if it is you risk a burn
Peripheral Neuropathy- Modalities that help Peripheral Neuropathy such as anodyne machines or infrared machines do so by vasodilation. Ultrasound does not cause vasodilation therefore it does not help with Neuropathy
What lower extremity foot and ankle conditions will Ultrasound help with:
Post surgical scar tissue– This is its foremost indication with the foot and ankle. If you have had surgery or chronically sprain your ankle causing the accumulation of painful scar tissue, ultrasound is a wonderful modality to use. It is easy to use and you can use it once or twice a day. Just apply the gel over the area, place the ultrasound transducer over the area, and allow the ultrasound to break up the scar tissue, and reduce the adhesions. This is the number one indication for foot and ankle ultrasound.
Plantar Fasciitis– By breaking up some of the fascial adhesions in the ligament, the ultrasound can make a chronic condition acute which will cause healing to take place via an inflammatory response. Consider it a low level shockwave therapy which was popular 5-10 years ago. This is a much cheaper alterantive. I would not attempt in a acute cases of plantar fasciitis but in chronic conditions of heel pain lasting over six months, ultrasound is an ideal treatment.
Sprained ankles, chronic tendinitis– For most soft tissue injuries ultrasound is an effective and safe treatment that can be performed. Just place the transducer over the area and ultrasound can stimulate the healing process and break up the adhesion’s. There are all kinds of Personal Ultrasounds available on the Internet.