Botox For Your Feet? New Study Shows Promise — But Not For Wrinkles

A new Mexican study suggests that podiatrists should use Botox rather than steroids to relieve the pain their patients suffer from plantar fasciitis. The new research was published in the journal Foot and Ankle International.

Steroid treatment, for example cortisone shots, are often used in treating plantar fasciitis to reduce pain and swelling. It is estimated 2-6% of patients who receive steroid treatment as part of their conservative therapy will have their plantar fascia tear or rupture. Researchers from the Autonomous University of Nuevo Leon, Mexico came up with a clinical trial to compare steroid treatment with botox treatment, which works by blocking the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, weakening the muscles for several months.

In the trial, participants were treated with either steroids or Botox for their plantar fasciitis, and both groups were given the same series of stretching exercises to perform at home.

Initially, both groups were recovering at the same rate, but the Botox group took the lead with higher improved scores in foot pain, function, and alignment. Botox participants were the winners after six months, having better sustained and rapid improvement over their steroid counterparts.

The study's corresponding author, Dr. Carlos Acosta-Olivio says, "We found that a combination of BTX-A (Botox) applications into the gastroc-soleus complex and plantar fascia stretching exercises yielded better results for the treatment of plantar fasciitis than intralesional steroids." He added that the stretching exercises were an integral portion of successful treatment.

This was a small-scale study, with just 36 participants. The authors concluded by suggesting future trials include measures of body-mass index, as being overweight can be a risk factor for developing plantar fasciitis. When compared to steroid treatment, Botox treatment has fewer complications.

 If you are experiencing heel pain, call our Rocky Hill or Middletown office to make an appointment.

Jeffrey S. Kahn, DPM

Connecticut Foot Care Centers

Heel Pain Doctor in CT

Podiatrist in Rocky Hill and Middletown, CT

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