Living with ankle pain can be debilitating as it can restrict movement and interfere with daily activities. To help ease these aches, many use Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS). There are various TENS items available in the market. One of them is the Sanitas Ankle TENS device. It works by encasing the ankle in a cuff and delivering electrical stimulation using wear-free electrodes. It has 20 intensity levels that people can adjust accordingly and four program modes.
TENS therapy uses electric stimulation to trigger several mechanisms for relief. It is an effective alternative to traditional methods that can have severe side effects. It is also easily available to purchase from online retailers, pharmacies, and medical supply stores. Nevertheless, consulting a medical professional is recommended before using TENS. This article will provide information on the Sanitas Ankle TENS machine, including how it provides relief and alternatives for it.
What is the Sanitas TENS Device for Ankle?
A Sanitas Ankle TENS device is a portable electronic device that people can use for acute and chronic ankle pain. It has several components that enable effective TENS therapy for the specific body part. It also has several features to enhance the convenience of using the device.
Firstly, it has preset programs that reduce the need for experimentation for temporary pain relief. Nevertheless, it also has adjustable settings with up to 20 intensity levels for effective relief customised to the needs and preferences of the individual. This can help maximise the effects of TENS for satisfactory pain relief. Secondly, it has a countdown timer, which helps prevent individuals from exceeding the recommended treatment session duration. Moreover, it can automatically switch off to avoid adverse effects of overuse.
Lastly, it has a low battery indicator. It helps inform users to replace the batteries before starting a session, which helps prevent interruptions. Moreover, the Sanitas Ankle TENS unit uses three 1.5V AAA batteries as a power source. Hence, it may help to have multiple or rechargeable batteries for convenience.
Components of the Device
- Control unit: This connects to the cuff and sends electrical currents to start the treatment for ankle pain. It has an LCD to help individuals easily navigate the preset modes and adjustable settings.
- Universal cuff: It can fit on either ankle. However, users must note that it only fits around ankles with an 18 to 31 cm circumference.
- Electrode wires: They connect the cuff to the control unit and power source. It delivers the power to the electrodes.
- Wear-free contact electrodes: These attach to the cuff and make contact with the skin. It sends the electrical currents to the body.
How the Sanitas TENS Device for Ankle Provides Pain Relief
The Sanitas Ankle TENS device can trigger various mechanisms to ease a variety of pain conditions that can affect the ankle. They can adjust the settings or select modes depending on the type of pain they are experiencing.
Using high-pulse currents is ideal for acute pain because it triggers the spinal nerve cells to block pain signals, reducing their intensity for short-term pain relief. They take effect quickly and improve blood circulation to the ankles. This can aid with healing injuries and decreasing the soreness of muscles for pain relief. It can help speed up the recovery process of injured individuals.
Meanwhile, low-pulse electrical currents can enhance relaxation and a sense of well-being. It triggers the release of endogenous opioids, which are helpful for chronic pain conditions. Moreover, they are good options for long-term pain management because these help naturally reduce inflammation. This chronic pain relief can also reduce the risks of depression and anxiety. Hence, TENS can provide benefits to individuals as part of their pain management plan.
Mechanisms of Action
There are several mechanisms of action that TENS can trigger. Firstly, the pain gate mechanism is a concept suggested in the Gate Control Theory of Pain. It poses that electric stimulation can close the gates and block pain messages. This blockade results in quick relief of intense pain.
Secondly, it stimulates endorphin production. These are hormones that bind to opioid receptors and reduce the overall pain levels. The effects of these natural painkillers can last hours after the session. Lastly, TENS can also induce vasodilation. Hence, it can increase blood flow to the target area for a massage-like effect.
Sanitas TENS Device for Ankle Alternatives
There are several products that people can use as an alternative to the Sanitas Ankle TENS device. There is a wide range of options for TENS units available in the market that can offer similar effects. Individuals may also consult their healthcare provider for medical advice on what unit would suit them best.
Generally, there are two types of TENS machines for people to choose from. Traditional or handheld units use lead cables to facilitate the therapy session. The Sanitas Ankle TENS unit falls under this category. There are also other options that people can use for other body parts instead of only focusing on the ankles.
The other type is the wireless TENS machine. One example of this is the iTENS. These units utilise Bluetooth to link the self-adhesive electrode pads to the controller. Some provide the option to manually adjust the settings on the electrode. Other wireless machines can connect to smartphone apps, providing access to several preset programs for TENS therapy pain relief.
A Closer Look at iTENS
The iTENS is an FDA-cleared wireless TENS machine. It uses innovative wing-shaped electrodes that users can attach to different body parts for targeted relief. These TENS pads are also hypoallergenic, reducing the likelihood of allergic reactions. They also come in different shapes and sizes to suit different areas.
Moreover, this wireless unit is easy to use and apply. The users must simply attach the electrodes near the pain source and adjust the settings manually or using the smartphone app. It works for chronic nerve pain, joint pain, and severe ankle pain. People can buy them without prescriptions from iTENS Australia.
Conclusion
The Sanitas Ankle TENS device is a product that can help individuals suffering from chronic and acute ankle pain. It has several components, including an ankle cuff, a control unit, wear-free electrodes and lead cables. Moreover, it provides convenient relief with four program modes and adjustable settings. Altogether, this can provide electrical stimulation to trigger the pain gate mechanism, endorphin release, and vasodilation for relief. In particular, the increased blood flow can help with the recovery of injuries.
However, there are also alternative options to the Sanitas Ankle TENS unit. They may consult a healthcare professional for suggestions on which one to use. One option is the iTENS. It is a wireless TENS machine that works on various body parts. It is also convenient to use since it does not restrict movement and has many advanced features. The device connects to a smartphone app, which has several preset programs for convenience.
