Our Wichita Podiatrist Associates Explains UltraMIST Therapy for Wound Care
Wound care is essential to overall foot and ankle health, particularly for individuals with diabetes or other chronic conditions that can complicate the healing process. Some podiatric foot treatments may be painful, but that’s not the case with the UltraMIST System. Instead, it provides painless, contact-free ultrasound wound treatment that can be effective for many patients with foot or ankle wounds. Discover the benefits of UltraMIST therapy for wound care at Central Kansas Podiatry Associates.
What Is UltraMIST Therapy?
UltraMIST therapy is an advanced wound care treatment that uses low-frequency, non-contact ultrasound waves to promote healing. This contact-free and painless treatment for foot and ankle wounds involves delivering acoustic pressure waves through a saline mist.
How it Works
UltraMIST wound therapy works by increasing oxygenation in the wound area to reduce bacteria and stimulate tissue repair. The mechanism of UltraMIST therapy involves acoustic pressure waves that penetrate deep into the tissue without making direct contact with the wound. The ultrasound waves are sent into the affected area to encourage damaged cells to regenerate.
Key Benefits
The UltraMIST System reduces the risk of contamination and discomfort compared to other wound treatments while effectively reaching the affected area to promote and accelerate healing. Since this therapy enhances blood flow and oxygen levels, UltraMIST helps reduce inflammation, contributes to faster tissue repair and regeneration, and promotes effective healing.
Who Can Benefit From UltraMIST Therapy?
UltraMIST therapy is suitable for a wide range of patients, particularly those with chronic conditions or wounds that won’t heal. Patients who have not responded well to traditional wound care methods may find UltraMIST therapy to be a highly effective alternative.
It is especially beneficial for individuals with conditions that impair the body’s natural healing processes, such as diabetes, vascular diseases, and immune deficiencies. UltraMIST therapy is often successfully used to help people with conditions such as:
- Diabetic Foot Ulcers. Diabetics have reduced circulation and oftentimes develop foot ulcers that won’t heal on their own.
- Pressure Ulcers. Pressure ulcers, commonly known as bedsores, are caused by prolonged pressure on the same area of skin. They are characterized by changes in skin color or texture, swelling, and soreness.
- Venous Ulcers. Venous ulcers are open sores caused by low blood circulation. Multiple areas can be affected by venous ulcers, but they are most common around the ankles and legs.
- Surgical Wounds. Surgical wounds are deep. If they don’t heal quickly, they can easily become infected.
In addition to treating the above conditions, UltraMIST therapy may also be ideal for patients who experience pain or discomfort with contact-based treatments. Its non-contact nature ensures that the treatment is gentle and painless, making it a preferred option for those with sensitive or painful wounds.
UltraMIST Therapy Results
Patients who receive therapy with the UltraMIST System often notice positive results within a few sessions. It’s not unusual to see a reduction in wound size, decreased levels of bacteria, and less inflammation after just a few treatments with this therapy.
Clinical studies have shown that UltraMIST therapy can significantly improve healing outcomes and reduce wound area by 85% over seven weeks of treatment sessions. Research results also indicate that treating wounds with UltraMIST can reduce the time it takes for wounds to close completely and reduce the likelihood of infection.
What To Expect During UltraMIST Therapy at Central Kansas Podiatry Associates
When you visit Central Kansas Podiatry Associates for foot or ankle wound diagnosis and treatment, you can expect a straightforward and comfortable experience. During your appointment with Dr. Benjamin Weaver, a wound-care certified podiatrist, will first assess your wound to determine an appropriate and effective treatment plan. Dr. Weaver will let you know if UltraMIST is an appropriate option for you or if another course of action might be best for you.
Assuming a decision is made to move forward with UltraMIST therapy, the affected area will be cleaned and the UltraMIST device will be prepared. The therapy itself involves the use of a handheld device that generates ultrasound waves. The device will be positioned near the wound, and a saline mist will be gently sprayed to work as the medium for the ultrasound waves to travel through. The device does not touch the wound or surrounding skin, which is what makes UltraMIST a non-contact treatment.
A typical UltraMIST therapy session lasts between 5 and 15 minutes, depending on the size and severity of the wound. Patients often report feeling a gentle, soothing sensation during the treatment, with no discomfort or pain. Since the therapy is non-invasive, there is no need for anesthesia, and there are no side effects or downtime associated with the procedure. After the session, the wound will be dressed as usual, and you’ll be able to go back to your normal daily activities. Additional sessions will be scheduled based on your individual needs.