Sportvis™ Treatment Procedure:
Sportvis comes in the form of two injections, the first of which should be administered within 48 hours of the sprain occurring. The second injection should be given within 2-3 days of the first injection and both must be carried out by a trained medical professional. The injection is administered using a 3 dimensional fanning technique (see video clip) – this technique promotes optimal conditions for healing as the damaged tissue is completely enveloped by the HA. Once injected, the Hyaluronic Acid reacts with the torn ligament, forming a “gel-like” fibrin complex which provides structural support to the soft tissue as it binds the torn fibres together.Traditional Treatment Methods:
Traditional treatment methods range from rest and the R.I.C.E. (Rest Ice Compression Elevation) standard of care to oral/topical NSAIDS , bracing and physical therapy. However, the fact is that once an ankle is sprained, it follows that the joint is significantly weakened and therefore much more susceptible to recurrence.Consequently, traditional treatments provide effective relief in the short term but do not help to prevent recurrence of the sprain. Public perception of ankle sprains as “just a minor injury” also contributes to the problem. Dr. Robert Petrella of the University of Western Ontario, Canada, who developed Sportvis™, states that “an estimated 50 – 60% of sports people with ankle sprains do not seek professional treatment”. What many people don’t realise is that ankle sprains, if not treated properly, often result in long term problems such as re-injury, chronic instability of the joint and, in some cases, osteoarthritis.