Ultrasound Therapy for Arthritis: Benefits & Uses

Ultrasonic treatments, or ultrasound, are a lesser-used but often cheaper and faster alternative to lengthy MRIs and X-rays. Despite the benefits, ultrasounds are often better as a supplementary tool and cannot replace traditional remedies.

Function

• Ultrasound treatments help doctors diagnose the amount of inflammation in the joints, according to a report on WSOCTV.com. A computer then determines inflammation levels based on sound waves bounced off the joints.

Benefits

• Physicians typically use X-rays and magnetic resonance imaging to diagnose arthritis, but these methods cannot determine the extent of inflammation.

Time Frame

• An ultrasound is the quickest method to determine if you have arthritis. Treatments usually take five to 10 minutes in a physician's office, according to WSOCTV.

Misconceptions

• Ultrasound treatments do not cure arthritis. Doctors do sometimes use ultrasound to help them draw fluids out of the joints and track the progression of arthritis therapy.

Disadvantages

• Although ultrasound is quicker and cheaper than other diagnostic methods, it cannot see the health of the bones like an X-ray can. If a doctor suspects bone damage, the patient will still need an MRI or X-ray.