Portable Ultrasound – A Portable Treatment solution

The Achilles tendon is one of the most important tendons present in a human body. Basically, it’s the Achilles tendon that joins the calf muscle with the heel of the foot. The achilles tendon is present in lower part of the leg of a man. Tendonitis Achilles is commonly caused due to excessive strain or pressure put on the Achilles tendons. According to diverse researches, such injuries are common among sportsmen, especially with the athletes. Nonetheless, people with flat foot also suffer from tendonitis achilles.

The gastrocnemius muscle or the calf muscle forms a criss-cross pattern around the knee, ankle and subtler joints of the leg. Moreover, the Achilles tendon is considered the weakest tendon in the human body. It is due to this fact that the Achilles tendons remain exposed to every type of strains and pressures. Although tendons are normally very strong in nature, but it gets injured easily because of the continuous strains put on them. This is mainly due to the excessive physical activity.

Tendonitis Achilles is one sort of clinical condition that describes the ruptures or the injury of the Achilles tendons. Tendonitis Achilles is also commonly called athlete’s foot because most of the sports people get this injury since they undergo strenuous physical activity that causes the Achilles tendon to work under high pressure.          

Today, there are different kinds of treatments widely available for tendonitis Achilles. Surgeries are the most common treatment for a tear in the Achilles tendons. But with the introduction of portable ultrasound therapy treatment of the tendonitis Achilles has become much easier these days.

The best thing about the portable ultrasound devices is that such devices can be used after an injury or even as a post operative therapy. Since today’s portable ultrasound devices are patch based they don’t require any professional medical help to use it. These devices enable the patient to recover fast. This easy to use device is effective, safe and has high compliance that adds to its advantages.

The major beneficial features of a portable ultrasound device include:

a.       Therapies for soft tendon injuries as well as pain in the muscles.

b.      Improve the blood circulation in that particular area.

c.       Heals the wound with fast acceleration

d.      It is portable and hands-free. Thus, portable ultrasound is also known as user friendly in nature.

e.       The device provides slow release ultrasound therapies.

f.        Can be used anytime and anywhere and even while sleeping.

Tendonitis Achilles: Symptoms and Causes

Tendonitis Achilles or Achilles Tendonitis is referred to as an inflammation of Achilles tendon. Such injury is found to be common in the younger people who are more into sports or athletics. However, it is also common for the people who are involved in sports. The treatment includes non-steroidal, rest and anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and the physical therapy.

Achilles tendonitis is common among the professional athletes and the weekend athletes. However, it is even common among people not involved in the sports. It’s a ‘common overuse injury’, the treatment of which necessitate good amount of rest, physical therapy, non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and avoiding all activities which can worsen the condition.

The common symptoms of Tendonitis Achilles include:

1. Difficulty in walking- severe pain which makes walking impossible.
2. Tenderness, swelling and warmth of Achilles tendon
3. Severe pain in the back of your heel.

Explaining tendons:

Tendon is described to a group of connective tissue which attaches muscle to the bone. Achilles tendon is considered the biggest tendon present in the body. It anchors the calf muscles to heel bone or ‘calcaneus’ and is considered significant because it permits you to lift your heel when you begin to walk. It also assists you to run, walk, and stand on the tiptoe.

The common causes of the Tendonitis Achilles include:

1. Footwear: Wearing the shoes with the minimal support while running or walking can improve the risk as can wearing the high heels.

2. Arthritis: The Achilles Tendonitis may be a part of the generalized inflammatory arthritis, like psoriatic arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis. In such conditions, both the tendons may be affected.

3. Obesity and overweight: Being overweight can place much more strain on several body parts.

4. Overuse injury: The overuse injury occurs when Achilles tendon is found to be stressed until it develops the small tears. The runners appear to be most vulnerable. People those who play sports which involve jumping, like basketball.

5. Foot problems: Some people with hyper-pronated or flat feet are prone to the Tendonitis Achilles. The flattened arch pulls on the calf muscles to keep the Achilles tendon under the tight strain. The steady mechanical stress on heel and the tendon can cause pain, inflammation and swelling of tendon. Being overweight may make problems worse.

6. Quinolone Antibiotics- This can in certain instances be linked with the inflammatory tenosynovitis and, if present, will be often bilateral (both Achilles) coming on soon after the exposure to drug.

For more information about therapeutic ultrasound and surgery for trigeminal neuralgia visit our website.

Understanding CAUTI

CAUTI stands for Catheter Associated Urinary Tract Infection. CAUTI is a common affliction today and is the second most common cause of bloodstream infection. The diagnosis of CAUTI is based on finding bacteriuria; along with an enhanced white blood cell count (WBC) based examination and analysis of the patient’s urine.

Symptoms of CAUTI –

• Increased serum WBC

• Burning pain in the area of the urethra, flank or the bladder
• Fever or chills
• Malaise
• Offensive urine odour
• Change in color and character of urine, it might become cloudy or have more sediments
• Hematuria
• Bladder spasms / leakage
• Catheter obstruction
• The increase in weakness or spasticity in patients who are already suffering from any neurological disease or disorder
• Change in mental frame of mind in young as well as old, but more in the latter, such as, lethargy, , delirium, or subtle changes in behavior
• Bacteraemia (especially after trauma to the urinary mucosa)

So what are the risks associated with CAUTI?

Research studies have indicated that factors like history of previous catheter use, the duration the catheter is in situ , the length of hospital stay before catheter insertion, the reason for and location of catheter insertion are all risks associated with this infection. The direct relation between the duration the catheter is in suit and the development of CAUTI is quite well established and accepted. Some other innate risk factors such as increasing age, gender and general debilitation are also associated with this infection.

CAUTI can be prevented by implementing the following initiatives:

• Insert catheters only for appropriate indications.
• Remove unnecessary catheters.
• Perform hand hygiene in compliance with CDC or WHO.
• Provide education on proper insertion and maintenance.
• Limit insertion of catheters to trained personnel.
• Insert catheters using aseptic technique and sterile equipment.
• Ensure that the indwelling catheters are secured well after insertion so that it does not move or shift and to prevent urethral traction.
• Make sure that the drainage is closed.
• Maintain unobstructed urine flow.
• Cleaning the metal area with antiseptic solutions and ensure routine hygiene.
• Make sure that the catheter is removed within 48 hours of surgery
• Implement and promote alternatives to indwelling urinary catheterization

The world has woken up to this infection that’s spreading like wild fire and has started taking some positive steps in the awareness initiative. Awareness is leading to prevention tips that if followed will help reduce the occurrence of CAUTI to a great extent.

Read more about portable ultrasound treatment.