Ultrasound-guided injection can be used to deliver treatment directly to the affected area.
It may contain an anti-inflammatory solution, similar to the cortisone injection in the foot.
Ultrasound-guided injections, however, are more typically utilized to guide a medical practitioner during surgery on minor foot structures.
This type of infiltration not only relieves pain in pathologies including osteoarthritis of the big toe, plantar fasciitis, Morton’s neuroma, and other plantar ailments, but it also allows for viscosupplementation and hyaluronic acid injection into particular joints.
This treatment offers pain alleviation that is both effective and safe.
Discover what makes this modern process unique, as well as how it can be beneficial for you.
Ultrasound-guided injection: a safe way to treat a specific problem
Podiatrists can work safely and efficiently with ultrasound injection.
Although such a guiding device is occasionally required for cortisone injection in the foot, ultrasound-guided injection also plays an important role in other situations.
For the following diagnoses, ultrasound guidance may be required during the procedure:
- Osteoarthritis of the ankle
- Plantar fasciitis
- Heel spur
- Ankle tendinitis
- Morton’s neuroma
- Capsulitis or synovitis in the foot
- Metatarsalgia
Benefits of ultrasound-guided injection
Unlike more superficial injections, they allow the podiatrist to act directly and more precisely in locations that are difficult to reach.
This lets them work directly on joints like the big toe, or on small nerves that run between the toes.
Here are some of the many advantages of ultrasound-guided infiltration treatments:
- Rapid relief
- Precise action directly on the problem areas
- Localized effect (the effects of infiltration are contained)
- Reduced risk of complications
- A procedure that can be performed in a podiatry clinic
- Less use of cortisone for the same outcome
How the injection takes place
The goal of the ultrasound-guided injection is to lower the risks of therapeutic procedures that directly affect the joints.
This is accomplished in a number of steps:
Before beginning the procedure:
- The podiatrist determines the patient’s specific condition. A biomechanical exam or a 2D/3D scan of the lower limbs may be used to this end.
- The patient is asked to lie down.
- An X-ray and an ultrasound scan of the area is performed.
- The skin of the location to be operated on is disinfected.
- A skin anesthetic may be used in some instances.
During the procedure:
Ultrasound-guided injection is completed in two stages:
- The first step is to use ultrasound technology to precisely find the problem area.
- The second step is to insert and gently guide the needle in. The fluid that the treating podiatrist has chosen is then injected directly into the affected location.
During the examination, the podiatrist may take many x-rays or ultrasound images. These allow them to avoid difficulties and, if required, adjust the needle.
After the procedure:
The podiatrist will do a therapeutic evaluation after this delicate procedure.
There may be a few recommendations to maximize the potential of recovery, such as:
- Avoid making any sudden movements.
- To aid fluid diffusion in the affected joint, moderately move the joint in question.
- If appropriate, use a support bandage to help stabilize the treated region.
Although the ultrasound-guided injection can be painful, the discomfort is usually mild and only lasts a few minutes.
Possible side effects of ultrasound-guided injection
Ultrasound-guided injection, when done under the supervision of a doctor, usually has only beneficial outcomes.
It can, however, have undesirable side effects, just like many other medications.
Here are some of the symptoms that may develop as a result of ultrasound-guided infiltration:
- For a period of 24 to 72 hours, pain in the affected area is more acute than usual.
- A joint infection may develop and cause fever in the days following the operation, on rare occasions.
The podiatrist will take various precautions to help you heal as quickly as possible and without pain, such as:
- Prescribing acetaminophen.
- Temporarily stopping high intensity physical activities such as running, tennis or skiing.
- Physiotherapy treatments to keep the joint mobile.
- A 3-day suspension of activities requiring repetitive motion that may prevent the joint from healing.
Ultrasound-guided injection helps treat the pain at the source
In the area of podiatric therapy, ultrasound-guided injection is actually a little revolution.
It not only allows a drug solution to be concentrated on a specific joint or region, but it also lets patients avoid difficulties during therapy.
Despite the fact that specialized clinics are rapidly adopting this technology, do take note that it is not appropriate for just any kind of pathology.
Foot orthoses can be used to address certain abnormalities, such as flat or hollow feet. Plantar warts and calluses, on the other hand, require more specialized treatments and foot care.
You should consult a podiatrist if you have unexplained discomfort or a foot injury that prevents you from going about your daily routine.
They will be able to assess your situation and provide you with various treatment options.
