Understanding Prolotherapy: Efficacy Without FDA Approval
As a 34-year-old man weighing 297 lbs and standing at 5’6, I recently underwent surgery to remove a Haglund’s deformity from my left foot and had debridement done on my Achilles tendon. This followed an MRI that revealed a 40% distal tear at the tendon’s insertion point, dated December 3, 2024. The MRI results additionally indicated tarsal impingement, OS Trigonum Syndrome, and a longitudinal split tear of the inframalleolar peroneus brevis tendon. Initially, I thought my only remedy for the PB tendon issue would involve another surgical procedure, since it was overlooked in my previous Achilles repair. Afterward, I consulted with a podiatrist who suggested exploring Prolotherapy as a less invasive option before considering further surgery. Following my initial injection, I experienced significant discomfort, leading me to challenge its effectiveness. Typically, I find heel raises excruciating due to my tear; however, to my astonishment, I felt no pain this time. Despite my skepticism about alternative treatments, I had always presumed that only steroid injections or anti-inflammatory medications could provide relief. My belief was that surgery was my last hope to alleviate this ongoing suffering. This leads me to ponder: if my response to Prolotherapy was merely a placebo effect, how can I account for the real changes I’m experiencing, which were absent previously? My pain had only retreated during instances of steroid injections, such as dexamethasone sodium phosphate or triamcinolone acetonide. Now, the pain has virtually vanished to an extent where I notice a significant difference. I understand the concept of placebo effects, yet I relied on opioids, Tylenol, biofreeze, and compression wraps to manage my pain, and none yielded comparable results. The only alternative pain relief that ever worked were steroid shots directly administered to my gluteal muscles, instead of the affected tendon, or toradol injections, which also offered only temporary respite. So, if Prolotherapy is primarily regarded as pseudoscience or simply a placebo, why do I still experience such effective results? I didn’t hold any preconceived notions that this injection would work; I was merely hoping it might. But I quickly set out to assess my foot's performance and, to my surprise, the anticipated pain wasn’t there. Doesn’t that serve as sufficient evidence of its efficacy?
Answers (1)
3/19/2025, 7:01:08 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you've had a challenging journey with your foot condition and have recently experienced unexpected relief following Prolotherapy. Your questions about its efficacy versus placebo effects are valid and quite common among patients exploring alternative treatments.
Main Points:
- Prolotherapy is a regenerative treatment that aims to reduce pain and improve function by stimulating healing in injured tissues.
- The effectiveness of Prolotherapy varies among individuals, and while some view it skeptically, others, like yourself, may experience significant relief.
- Understanding pain relief can be complex, and both psychological and physiological factors may play a role in your positive response.
Explanation:
Prolotherapy involves injecting a solution (often a dextrose solution) into damaged ligaments or tendons to promote healing. While many clinicians view this method as lacking rigorous scientific validation compared to more established treatments, some patients report significant improvements as you've experienced.
Your concern about whether your relief is due to a placebo effect is natural. Pain is influenced by many factors, including your mindset and the body’s own healing processes. It's also possible that the Prolotherapy injections may have stimulated healing—which is what you’re observing with reduced pain during activities like heel raises, a significant change given your previous experiences.
Next Steps:
- Keep Track of Symptoms: Continue to monitor your pain levels and any changes in your foot's function. Note when you feel pain and when you don’t. A diary can help you identify patterns.
- Follow-up with Your Provider: Discuss your experiences with Prolotherapy during your next visit. Keeping your healthcare provider updated on your condition and responses can help tailor your ongoing treatment plan.
- Reassess Activity Levels: Gradually reintroduce activities as tolerated while paying attention to how your body responds. Avoid pushing through pain.
- Explore Complementary Therapies: Consider additional supportive measures like physical therapy focused on strengthening and flexibility, which might further enhance your recovery.
If your symptoms change or worsen, please inform your healthcare provider. Continue to listen to your body, and I encourage you to maintain an open dialogue with your medical team regarding your treatment options. Your positive experience with Prolotherapy, however puzzling, is valid and an important aspect of your recovery journey.
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