There are multiple factors that can contribute to the development of plantar fasciitis. When seeking treatment from a physical therapist, they have a range of effective methods to alleviate inflammation. These therapies may include ultrasound, cold laser, electric stimulation, stretching and strengthening exercises, topical analgesics, recommendations for proper footwear, and the use of corrective braces. By employing these techniques, a physical therapist can effectively address and manage plantar fasciitis.
Iontophoresis is an innovative technique that harnesses the power of electricity to deliver therapeutic medications through the skin barrier. This method is commonly used to target inflamed areas in need of treatment, with Dexamethasone being a popular medication choice for this purpose. By applying a controlled electric current, iontophoresis efficiently transports the medication to the desired location, offering relief and improved outcomes for patients.
How Iontophoresis Works
Iontophoresis is a technique that involves the application of small electrical currents to help your body absorb medications more efficiently through your skin. By utilizing this method, medications can be delivered directly into the bloodstream through the pores on your skin, resulting in faster absorption and effectiveness. With the assistance of iontophoresis, the delivery of medication becomes more targeted and efficient, providing individuals with a convenient and effective alternative to traditional administration methods.
Corticosteroids should be delivered directly to injured areas without using needles that could worsen symptoms or harm tendons, while this method also offers the added advantage of reaching areas that traditional injections cannot reach.
This can be particularly effective at relieving inflammation in sports injuries and for individuals prone to needle-based steroid allergies.
Treatment begins by attaching two electrode pads – one medicated pad and one dispersive pad – to your skin, connected by wires. An Ionto machine then applies a small electrical current through these pads, helping your body more readily absorb medication through absorption through your pores.
How Iontophoresis is Applied
Iontophoresis is a therapy in which mild electrical currents are used to transfer medication across biological membranes while your body part remains submerged in water. You may feel a light tingling sensation while this current is being applied, akin to when brushing teeth with soapy water.
Electrical current helps the skin more readily absorb medication. It also reduces swelling around joints and alleviates any related pain.
Physical therapists employ iontophoresis for treating various medical issues, from joint pain and tendonitis to plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis – injuries involving tendons that lie close to the skin.
Iontophoresis is an effective, safe treatment that many patients find beneficial. Unfortunately, however, some side effects include dry and cracked skin or dermatitis; this can be alleviated by applying moisturisers several times daily.
How Iontophoresis is Effective
Iontophoresis is a relatively painless solution with no serious adverse side effects, with users reporting significant sweat reduction after just one or two sessions of iontophoresis therapy.
Iontophoresis involves passing a mild electrical current through water using shallow pans or specific pads and into your skin’s surface – this process may cause itchy or dry spots on your hands or feet during treatment, though any irritation should subside quickly afterwards.
Iontophoresis works by disrupting the flow of sweat through its normal pathway through sweat ducts to decrease sweat production by sweat glands. Unfortunately, iontophoresis doesn’t always work for all forms of hyperhidrosis and it usually takes multiple sessions over several weeks to see results.
How Iontophoresis is Not Effective
Iontophoresis is a noninvasive medical procedure, performed either at the doctor’s office or at home, that utilizes pad-like electrodes to pass an electric current through your skin and carry anticholinergic medication into your system.
Electrodes can take advantage of sweat ducts, sebaceous glands, hair follicles and imperfections in your skin to gain entry. Current can alter its permeability to allow chemicals to cross membranes within epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous fat layers for deeper penetration.
Studies conducted on patients suffering from tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) compared iontophoresis therapy to injection for pain relief. Patients receiving the former saw more improvement in grip strength and experienced immediate relief than those receiving an injection.
Iontophoresis should only be utilized for injuries near your skin – such as Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis – since its chemicals must travel deep tissue for effective delivery. Unfortunately, it does not compare favorably with NSAIDs or corticosteroids for treatment effectiveness.
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