Ultrasound Treatment for Feet
Ultrasound therapy is an accepted treatment for soft-tissue injuries. It has been used for more than 50 years by therapists. Common ailments of the foot--heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, bursitis, Achilles tendonitis, plantar fibroma, Morton's neuroma, arthritis, cystic masses, and even ankle sprains and strains--can be treated with ultrasound therapy.
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Function
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Produced by means of a mechanical vibration located in the head of the ultrasound machine, ultrasonic waves (sound waves of a high frequency) eliminate damaged tissue and reduce scar tissue.
Significance
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Removal of the damaged tissue and reduction of scar tissue reduce inflammation.
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Targeting Pain
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Pain-reducing treatments for the feet concentrate on the reduction of inflammation. Because ultrasound therapy sweeps away damaged tissue and reduces inflammation, pain subsides.
Effects
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Thought to accelerate the normal resolution time of the inflammatory process by attracting more mast cells to the site of injury, ultrasound benefits the sub-acute phase of tissue injury. Ultrasound may stimulate collagen production, the main component of soft tissue, which accelerates healing.
Warning
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It is also possible that ultrasound may affect diseased tissue abnormally. The increase in blood flow may also spread malignancies around the body. Therefore, ultrasound therapy should NOT be used on individuals with the following:
* Malignant or cancerous tissue
* Acute infections
* Risk of hemorrhage
* Severely ischemic tissue
* Recent history of venous thrombosis
* Exposed neural tissue
* Suspicion of a bone fracture
* If the patient is pregnant
* the active bone growth plates of children, or the eyes.
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