Ultrasound therapy in the treatment of calcar pedis - own experiences.
Background. There is no agreement among investigators regarding the optimal doses of ultrasound in the treatment of calcar pedis. The aim of our study was to compare the effects of varying ultrasound dosages in 2 groups of patients with calcar pedis. Material and methods. 34 patients suffering from calcar pedis were divided into two groups. The patients from both groups were treated locally for 2 weeks, 3 minutes daily with intermittent ultrasounds (1 MHz). The first group had doses gradually rising from 1.0 to 1.6 W/cm2 during week 1 and from 1.6 to 1.8 W/cm2 during week 2; the second group went from 0.6 to 0.8 W/cm2 in week 1 and from 0.6 to 0.8 W/cm2 in week 2. The analgesic effects were assessed using Huskisson's Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and by Laitinen's method. Result. Improvement was obtained in both groups, with decreased pain, less frequent occurrence of pain, fewer analgesic tablets, and improved leg function. Improvement was observed earlier in group I; after 5 interventions a decrease in pain feeling and in frequency of pain was observed. A similar effect was observed in group II after 10 days of therapy. There was also improved mobility of the treated leg, better in group I. In 2 patients from group I increased pain was observed during the last intervention (2 W/cm2). Conclusions. The best effects from ultrasound therapy without adverse reaction was observed in patients treated with intermittent ultrasounds (1 MHz) in doses gradually rising from 1.0 to 1.6 W/cm2.
Anna
A
Straburzyńska-Lupa
Anna
A
Kornacka