How to treat polio at the age of 18

Poliomyelitis, also known as poliomyelitis, is an infectious disease caused by the polio virus. For polio patients who are already adults and cannot be prevented by early vaccines, treatment focuses on functional rehabilitation, relieving symptoms and improving quality of life. Common treatment methods include physical therapy, correction device assistance, surgical intervention, etc.

1. Physical therapy rehabilitation training

In the rehabilitation treatment of polio in adults, physical therapy is particularly important, with the goal of restoring muscle strength as much as possible, improving muscle atrophy, and increasing the range of motion of the limbs. This can be done through the following methods:

Targeted muscle training: Professional rehabilitation therapists guide patients to perform strength training to enhance the strength and flexibility of residual muscles.

Hydrotherapy: Using the buoyancy and temperature of water to relieve pressure can help relieve joint stiffness and pain.

Stretching exercises: prevent tendon and ligament contractures and maintain joint range of motion.

2. Corrective devices help alleviate functional impairments

For deformities or functional loss caused by polio, professional corrective devices can be used to assist:

Braces or orthotic shoes: Help patients support weak joints, improve gait, and reduce the burden of standing or walking for long periods of time.

Wheelchair/Walkers: For people with severe lower limb paralysis, a walker or wheelchair can be used to improve their ability to move around in daily life.

Rehabilitation bed: used to reduce the burden on the spine and prevent complications caused by long-term bed rest.

3. Surgical treatment for severe deformity or functional limitation

For some patients with severe joint deformities or scoliosis, surgical intervention may be necessary:

Tendon transfer surgery: Repositioning of a relatively healthy tendon to replace the function of a damaged muscle.

Skeletal corrective surgery: Correction of severely deformed limb bones to improve appearance and function.

Spinal adjustment surgery: If spinal deformity affects movement or breathing function, spinal correction surgery can be used to adjust the shape.

For polio treatment in adult patients, in addition to medical intervention, attention should also be paid to mental health and life skills training, such as helping patients better adapt to social life through vocational rehabilitation. It is recommended that families and patients consult with the rehabilitation department, orthopedics department or neurology department in detail to design an individualized treatment plan based on the patient's specific situation.

Although the treatment of polio is limited after the age of 18, active rehabilitation and auxiliary means can still significantly improve body functions, enhance self-care ability, and enhance the quality of daily life. If symptoms worsen or are accompanied by other diseases, seek help from a professional doctor as soon as possible.