How often should the exercises be performed? | Exercises for peroneal paresis

How often should the exercises be performed?

For conservative therapy to be successful, patients should perform the exercises at least two to three times a week together with their physiotherapist. A daily home exercise program is also indispensable.

Physiotherapy

The goal of physiotherapy for peroneal paresis is to restore the functionality of the foot as completely as possible. In addition, an attempt is made to avoid secondary symptoms. These could manifest themselves, for example, in a permanent pointed foot.

First, the treating physiotherapist prepares a detailed report in order to be able to adapt the therapy individually to the causes, extent and symptoms. The main focus of physiotherapy is on improving the foot malposition and thus the gait pattern. To achieve this, the paralyzed muscles and balance are specifically trained.

In addition, nerve mobilization can relieve the damaged nerves and reduce the complaints. As there is a high risk of falling due to stumbling in the case of peroneal paresis, the physiotherapist will practice the correct falling with the affected person in case of an emergency. In addition, the physiotherapist advises his patient on safe and supportive footwear and on a peroneal splint.

How long does peroneal paresis last?

The duration of peroneal paresis cannot be predicted across the board. Many factors play a role in the duration of the disease. If peroneal paresis exists, e.g. due to pressure damage caused by sitting for too long with the legs crossed, peroneal paresis disappears within a few days.

If there is an underlying disease, such as a cyst or a tumor, the paresis remains until the underlying cause has been eliminated. If the nerve is completely ruptured, peroneal paresis usually remains permanent. In principle, the sooner the nerve is relieved, the shorter the duration of treatment is usually.

Electrotherapy for peroneus paresis

Electrotherapy plays an important role in the treatment of peroneurosis.The success of this measure depends on the individual adaptation of the current to the symptoms, the stage of the disease (acute or chronic) and the reactions of the patient. For example, the therapy remains unsuccessful if the nerve is completely torn. Therefore, the first step is a neurological examination.

This will clarify which part of the nerve is affected and to what extent the sensitivity of the patient is damaged. If this is too limited, electricity must not be used, because the risk of injury in the form of serious skin damage is too high. If the patient wears a pacemaker or suffers from cardiac arrhythmia, current treatment must also be avoided.

Otherwise, a low-frequency stimulation current treatment (= electroplating) using exponential current (frequency: 0.2 – 0.5 Hz) is suitable. The electrodes are attached in such a way that those muscles are stimulated which the patient can no longer consciously control due to peroneurosis. Muscle degeneration is thus effectively counteracted.