Clinical Evaluation of "Gentle Step"
Magnesium Sulfate Crystals
We have used "Gentle Step" magnesium sulfate crystals manufactured by Element Personal Care, Inc. for a number of clinical indications in our clinical facility the Foot and Ankle Institute and in the Leonard Abrams Center for Advanced Wound Healing. Magnesium Sulfate has been used for a number of years as anti-inflammatory soak for athletic and overuse injuries.
"Gentle Step" was effective in reducing both pain and edema in athletic injuries. In a small study of ankle sprains encountered in a number of different sports n=50, athletes treated with cold magnesium sulfate soaks immediately after injury and warm soaks after 48 hours demonstrated a reduction in edema and pain, and a faster return to activity that was trending toward significance.
This has been reinforced by numerous anecdotal comments made by athletes, post traumatic and post operative patients treated at the Foot and Ankle Institute.
In another small study n=12, patients with venous insufficiency with secondary lymph edema also demonstrated a reduction in limb size after soaking in a magnesium sulfate solution for 20 minutes. This coupled with the use of compression wraps and stockings proved to be a more effective way to reduce edema than wraps and stockings alone.
We have used magnesium sulfate solution dressings to treat chronic wounds both to improve micro vascular dilation in the wound bed and to reduce matrix metalloprotease activity by action of the zeolyte additives in the preparation. Zeolytes are used to improve water quality and act by binding the heavy metals necessary for protease activation in the chronic wound. Treated wounds appeared to demonstrate more rapid granulation tissue formation and an increased healing rate when compared to standard saline dressings alone. This warrants further study.
This has proved to be a safe, very cost effective, simple treatment that has numerous applications for wound care and the reduction of edema and pain particularly in muscul oskeletal injuries. Foot Solutions is granted the right to use the terms "tested at the Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine" on the package when marketing the product "Gentle Step".
