Iontophoresis

This technique is used in cases of tendinitis in elbows, shoulders, throcanteritis, knee, ankles and in cases of plantar fasciitis. We apply two patches with medication to the skin for 15-20 minutes. It requires at least 7 consecutive sessions to be effective.

Iontophoresis is a procedure that uses a small, painless electric current to increase the permeability of the skin. This noninvasive method allows drugs that would normally remain on the skin surface to pass through the skin to deeper tissues. It is used to treat excessively sweaty palms and soles (hyperhidrosis), inflammation of the membranes of the feet (plantar fasciitis), carpal tunnel syndrome, and tennis elbow. The same technique can be used to deliver topical anesthesia prior to cut-down for artificial kidney dialysis, insertion of tracheotomy tubes, and venipuncture.

Iontoforesis

Reason for Procedure

Iontophoresis is a noninvasive procedure that moves medications across the skin and into deeper tissues. Because iontophoresis acts quickly and locally, it can be used in local anesthesia and pain management. It has proven beneficial in the treatment of localized skin disorders such as excessive sweating of the palms and soles of the feet (hyperhidrosis), nail diseases, post-herpetic neuralgia, psoriasis, eczema, and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. It can also be used to deliver non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or topical steroids to tissues in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders such as plantar fasciitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and arthritis.

The skin is cleansed and the medication is applied to the selected area. Electrodes are attached to the site and a painless, low electrical current is applied. The electric current increases the permeability of the skin, allowing the medication to pass through the skin into the deeper tissues at the selected site.

After 5 to 12 minutes, the electrodes are removed, and the area is washed with distilled water.

Prognosis

Iontophoresis adequately delivers medications for skin conditions, topical anesthesia, and in the treatment of inflammation of the muscles and joints. No adverse effects are expected.

Complications

As with any low-voltage direct-current device, iontophoresis has the potential to cause injuries through electrolysis if equipment is not maintained or used correctly. Although rare, burns or electric shocks may occur. An allergy to the drug being applied or to the adhesives used in the process may affect recovery time.