Plantar fasciitis is a painful condition that affects your heal and is caused by damage sustained to the plantar fascia, a tendon or band that connects your heel to your toes. There are a number of treatments for plantar fasciitis, including electrophoresis.
Definition
Sometimes called iontophoresis, electrophoresis is a treatment that uses electrical current to deliver topical corticosteroid medications through your skin and into the plantar fascia.
Function
The corticosteroids delivered by electrophoresis reduce the inflammation of the plantar fascia. This provides relief from the pain caused by the condition and helps the tendon heel.
Features
Although it uses an electrical current, electrophoresis is not painful in any way, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Time Frame
Electrophoresis is usually performed two to three times per week for up to six weeks, according to the American Family Physician.
Considerations
Since electrophoresis treatments require frequent visits to a doctor, physical therapist, or athletic trainer, the procedure is more costly and time-consuming than other types of treatment for plantar fasciitis, such as a single cortisone injection or the use of a night brace to keep the plantar fascia lengthened while you sleep.
Tags: plantar fascia, electrical current, plantar fasciitis, uses electrical, uses electrical current