Prolotherapy for Ankle & Achilles Pain

Did you know that once you have sprained your ankle, you are much more likely to sprain it in the future? Ankle sprains can easily, and often, lead to chronic ankle instability! This means that a “simple” sprained ankle quickly becomes a progressive, degenerative condition. Degeneration needs regeneration! If you are dealing with an acute ankle injury, such as an ATFL tear, or chronic ankle pain conditions, such as osteoarthritis, our specialists want to help you. Since 1993, Caring Medical has been a leader for Comprehensive Prolotherapy (including traditional dextrose, Platelet Rich Plasma, and Stem Cell therapy) for ankle pain and helped thousands of patients. Our team has continued to publish research and improve the Prolotherapy treatment regimens used to help ankle and Achilles tendon pain from a variety of conditions, including arthritis, sports injuries, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, avascular necrosis, tendinosis/tendinitis, complex regional pain syndrome, and more. Navigate through the sections below for lots of ankle pain information or get help from our medical staff now.

ankle instability

Symptoms caused by Ankle Instability

  • Ankle discoloration
  • Ankle inflammation
  • Ankle pain
  • Ankle swelling
  • Arch cramping
  • Crepitation with movement
  • In mild cases, there may be a propensity for the ankle to continually turn inward
  • Inability to move the ankle properly
  • Popping
  • Loss of motion
  • Loss of muscle strength
  • Mild aching to sudden pain
  • Numbiness in toes
  • Pain even when no weight is put on the ankle
  • Referral foot and toe pain


These symptoms can be signs of the following ankle pain conditions caused by ankle instability that we commonly treat with Prolotherapy.




Chronic Conditions caused by Ankle Instability

Ankle
Instability
Subtalar
arthritis
Bone
marrow
edema
Avascular
necrosis
Ankle
tendinosis/
tendinitis
Ankle
arthritis
Tarsal
tunnel
syndrome
Navicular
subluxations
Achilles
tendinopathy
ATFL
tear
Osteochondral
defects
Ankle
sprain



Ankle Instability Forces

Inversion forces stress the lateral ligament complex; whereas eversion forces stress the deltoid ligament.

ankle ligament instability



Prolotherapy Treatment for Ankle Pain

Ankle pain is most commonly due to ankle joint instability, caused by ligament damage. Since ligaments do not heal well on their own, ankle instability quickly becomes a chronic, painful condition. It allows for destructive joint motions every time the ankle joint is used, wearing down the cartilage and causing further structural damage.




Ankle Forces

The stability of the ankle has to be made greater to run compared to slow walking on account of tremendous forces generated with running.


In Achilles tendon with walking 1.2 times body weight
Slow walking 2.1 times body weight
Fast walking 3-5 times body weight
Running Up to 13 times body weight


Stauffer RN, Chao EYS. Force and motion analysis of the normal, diseased and prosthetic ankle joints. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1977;127:189-196. Proctor P, Paul JP. Ankle joint biomechanics. J Biomech. 1982;15:627-634. Burdett RG. Forces predicted at the ankle during running. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1982;14:308-316.




Our providers understand the need for ankle stability to prevent the long-term damage of ankle instability. Therefore, we utilize Comprehensive Prolotherapy to restore the ligament integrity and strengthen the joint function. This prevents the continued cartilage degeneration through destructive joint motions and allows the ankle a chance to heal. Prolotherapy, in simple terms, stimulates the body to repair painful areas. It does so by inducing a localized, mild inflammatory reaction in the weakened ligament and tendon attachments. Since the body heals by inflammation, Prolotherapy stimulates healing. This can include traditional dextrose Prolotherapy and sometimes combined with Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) and/or Stem Cell therapy, as these are all types of Prolotherapy.




Direct Bone Marrow Ankle Injection

direct bone marrow bone marrow Prolotherapy



For ideal results, the ankle must be treated comprehensively, meaning this is not just a one or two injection treatment. At Caring Medical, one of the reasons our Hackett-Hemwall technique is sought is due to it addressing more weakened areas per treatment than the average PRP/Stem Cell/Prolotherapy doctor who gives only one or two injections.

Chronic ankle sprains have been effectively eliminated with our Comprehensive Prolotherapy treatment series, usually taking just a short series of treatments for most patients to obtain long-term results. A physical examination and consultation with one of our Prolotherapists can identify the areas of the ankle that are most unstable and need treatment, as well as which Prolotherapy solution is best for your particular case, and approximately how many treatments should get you back to where you want to be.




Examination of Lateral Ankle

Excessive movement or soft end feel compared to non-painful side while inverting ankle is a sign of lateral ankle instability.

direct bone marrow bone marrow Prolotherapy







Our Research on the use of Prolotherapy for Ankle Pain

In our retrospective observational study of chronic unresolved ankle pain, Hackett-Hemwall dextrose prolotherapy helped promote a measurable decrease in the pain and stiffness of the treated joints and improvement in clinically-relevant parameters. The complete study and results can be read here: Hauser R, et al. Dextrose Prolotherapy injections for chronic ankle pain. Practical Pain Management. 2010;70-76.

ANKLE PAIN LEVELS
7.9
Average pain level BEFORE Prolotherapy
1.6
1.6
Average pain level AFTER Prolotherapy

Pain scale is 1-10 where 1 = no pain & 10 = unrelenting pain.


We get patient satisfaction results. 100% of patients in this study felt that Prolotherapy changed their life for the better and 100% have since recommended Prolotherapy to someone else.




Our other studies on regenerative treatment outcomes for ankle pain





Patient Success Stories using Prolotherapy for Ankle Pain


Ankle Instability from Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

Kristle Lowell, Double-Mini Trampoline World Champion, diagnosed with EDS was experiencing severe instability from multiple ligament injuries of her left ankle and received massage, physical therapy, cortisone and NSAIDS, from which she saw no long-term relief. In order to inhibit menstruation from interfering with training, she went on birth control pills, which caused a worsening of symptoms. Kristle suffered a career threatening injury to her ankle, which made gymnastics training unbearable. She came to Caring Medical and received 2 PRP Prolotherapy treatments, and discontinued the birth control pills. Her ankle was stabilized, enabling her to compete and place second in national championships and qualify for world championships.

LEARNING POINTS:

Cortisone, NSAIDS, PT and MT do nothing to strengthen the ligaments of an unstable joint. Prolotherapy strengthens the injured ligaments and stabilizes the joint. Estrogen in birth control pills inhibits the fibroblastic proliferation necessary for the healing of ligaments. Fibroblastic proliferation is the mode of healing by which Prolotherapy repairs.





Avascular Necrosis of the Talus

JS was diagnosed at age 13 with Crohn’s Disease for which she had been prescribed Prednisone over numerous years. At age 34, she began experiencing pain, swelling, achiness, crepitus and burning in the ankle, and was diagnosed with avascular necrosis of the talus, for which her orthopedist recommended fusion surgery. JS decided instead to seek out Prolotherapy. After 5 treatments of Bone Marrow to the joint and Prolotherapy to the ligaments, her symptoms resolved, enabling her to walk on a strong, pain-free ankle.

LEARNING POINTS:

Long-term anti-inflammatory use with corticosteroids makes it more likely a person will experience joint degeneration and ligament laxity, even to the point of causing bone death or avascular necrosis. In such scenarios, Prolotherapy should be sought as early as possible to resolve the condition.





Achilles Tendon Rupture

JM complained of a "protruding marble" on his Achilles. He had received surgery with a screw insertion after rupturing his Achilles tendon 18 years prior. The Achilles pain returned and made walking almost impossible. An orthopedic surgeon recommended surgery to remove calcium deposits, but JM sought Prolotherapy instead. Ultrasound showed small tears in the Achilles, with separate “pieces” of calcium deposits. After just one treatment of PRP Prolotherapy under ultrasound guidance, the pain resolved and the calcium deposits were broken up and reabsorbed.

LEARNING POINTS:

While the average patient needs a few treatments, sometimes only 1 or 2 are needed. In this case, only 1 comprehensive PRP Prolotherapy treatment was needed to successfully remove calcium buildup in the Achilles tendon and alleviate the pain, without the need for another surgery.





Ankle Sprain Re-injury Risks

JC came to Caring Medical, approximately 1 month after spraining his ankle. Although he was not experiencing severe pain, the ankle became weak and greatly limited his ability to exercise. He had suffered chronic ankle injuries in his 20s and knew that the statistics for re-injury with ankle sprains are very high. As a runner, now in his early 50’s he did not want to chance further injury or eventual ankle surgery, and he really wanted to get back to running strong. After 5 treatments with Prolotherapy and Platelet Rich Plasma, he was able to return to trail running 16 miles without any pain or weakness. JC said he felt better than he did in high school!

LEARNING POINTS:

The chance of re-injury to the ankle after an initial sprain is very high, especially when it is a few weeks out and activity is still limited due to pain or weakness, and/or the ankle swells, subluxes, or feels unstable. It is the ideal time to start Prolotherapy before further joint damage is done and the ankle joint starts quickly breaking down and the person loses the ability to walk and gets severe ankle arthritis.





Chronic Achilles Tendonitis

NA had been dealing with chronic Achilles tendonitis for more than three years prior to being seen at Caring Medical. At 40 years old, he was normally very active, but had to stop running and playing tennis due to pain. After the first two dextrose Prolotherapy treatments, he saw improvement in daily pain levels but he still had pain with exercise. NA was advised to wear a boot for two months while we continued to treat with the addition of Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP Prolotherapy) for his following four treatments. After the series of treatments, he reported significant improvement which was also visible when viewing the tendon under ultrasound!

LEARNING POINTS:

Pain is a progressive disorder. The longer a person waits to receive regenerative treatment, the more time is lost and the worse the tissue injury becomes. Thus, many patients with severe ligament or tendon degeneration who want to play higher level athletics require a few treatments to regain enough strength in the tissue to function well in sports. Sometimes a boot becomes necessary between treatments while the tissue heals. However, even when a patient needs 6-8 PRP Prolotherapy treatments, or needs to temporarily wear a boot, it still beats needing surgery or having to stop sports altogether!





Achilles Calcium Deposits

JM complained of a “protruding marble” on his Achilles. He had received surgery with a screw insertion after rupturing his Achilles tendon in nearly two decades prior. His returning pain made walking almost impossible. An orthopedic surgeon recommended surgery to remove calcium deposits, but JM sought Prolotherapy instead in hopes of avoiding another surgery. Ultrasound showed small tears in the Achilles, with separate “pieces” of calcium deposits. After just one treatment of PRP Prolotherapy under ultrasound guidance, the pain resolved and the calcium deposits were broken up and reabsorbed.

LEARNING POINTS:

PRP Prolotherapy can successfully remove calcium buildup in the Achilles tendon without the need for surgery. While most patients need more than one treatment, there are patients who have curative success after just one.





Ankle Pain in Young Runner

SH injured her ankle while training for a half marathon when she was 26 years old. She developed pain and swelling during her run that caused her to start limping. After resting for a weekend, the pain and swelling continued with long distance walking. She was seen at Caring Medical for two treatments of H3 Prolotherapy while modifying her training schedule. Four months after her first treatment, she reported a pain free ankle and was back to training!

LEARNING POINTS:

Sometimes it is really as simple as a couple Prolotherapy treatments, done soon after pain develops. The goal of H3 Prolotherapy is to stimulate enough tissue repair that the person can engage in athletics for the rest of their life, if they choose. Modifying training for the short-term, especially for runners, and working back slowly to being able to run outside on concrete is worth it for being able to keep running for the long-term. Tissue repair does not happen overnight, just like if we break a bone and need to wait for it to heal before putting it back to full use. Over time, the tissue continues to strengthen if the person is using smart training techniques. A Prolotherapist is a great doctor to have when you’re an athlete!





Ankle Osteoarthritis Pain

IG suffered with chronic ankle pain for more than 30 years after undergoing surgery for fracture. By his early 50’s, the pain had increased to the point of not being able to stand or walk at times. This was a terrible problem because he and his family relied on him as the primary provider, and he had a very physically demanding job as a builder. He experienced constant pain and swelling which would also interrupt his sleep. IG tried wearing braces which did not give enough support. He was diagnosed with osteoarthritis per his X-ray imaging but was not given any recommendations for treatment prior to being seen at Caring Medical. Due to the amount of degeneration present from years of instability, a comprehensive approach of Prolotherapy and Platelet Rich Plasma was recommended. IG reported improvement with each visit and needed a total of 6 visits to reach his goals. At his last visit, the pain was no longer constant or waking him up at night. IG may require maintenance treatments once or twice per year but if he wears supportive shoes and continues the recommended preventative exercises regularly, he should be able to avoid further surgery.

LEARNING POINTS:

Any force strong enough to break a bone will also cause excessive stretch to the surrounding ligaments. Unfortunately, ligaments heal poorly on their own due to lack of blood flow. The body’s only other defenses are to swell and slowly overgrow bone to cushion and try to fuse the joint. Prolotherapy is the only treatment to tighten overstretched ligaments because it causes an influx of blood and healing factors directly at the injured site. If, after the fracture is healed, the person experiences ankle weakness, pain, or instability, Prolotherapy should be started sooner rather than later. It generally requires fewer treatments with better functional results for the patient the sooner Prolotherapy is started.





Direct Bone Marrow Injections for Avascular Necrosis of the Talus

MD, a 59 year old school administrator from Alaska, had chronic right lateral ankle pain for three years after a severe ankle sprain. Initial x-rays were unremarkable. Her ankle inverted while dancing, significantly increasing her pain. She was treated with an extensive period of guarded weight bearing, crutches, and non-weight bearing for several months but noted no improvement. A corticosteroid shot produced no results. An MRI on 7/7/2010 then showed prominent AVN of the talar dome involving the central to posterior aspect. She was offered various surgical options including arthroscopy with debridement, allograft osteochondral transfer, core decompression and ankle fusion through external fixation. The prognosis for complete pain relief with these options was guarded so MD decided to seek more conservative treatment.

In February 2011, MD decided to seek treatment of her condition by Prolotherapy. She presented complaints of severe pain, stiffness, crepitation, and extremely limited ankle motion to Caring Medical and Rehabilitation Services. Her pain would dramatically increase with any weight bearing and continue to increase throughout the day. She could not even walk around her house without pain. She stopped all extraneous walking, exercise, and hiking. Her pain was further aggravated merely by standing on her feet. She complained of swelling around the ankle. On physical examination an obvious limp was noted. Notable tenderness was observed in the anterior and posterior talofibular, calcaneofibular, deltoid, and tibiotalar ligaments. Her active range of motion was as follows: dorsiflexion 10 degrees; plantar flexion 15 degrees; subtalar eversion 5 derees; and subtalar inversion 10 degrees.

The following areas in the right ankle joint and its medial and lateral bony attachments were injected with a 15% dextrose, 0.1% procaine and 10% Sarapin solution: medial and lateral malleolus, talus, navicular, calcaneus, cuboid, and calcaneus, deltoid, plantar calcaneonavicular, talonavicular, anterior and posterior tibiofibular, anterior and posterior talofibular and calcaneofibular ligaments. A total of 36cc of solution was utilized in 22 separate injections.

For the bone marrow aspiration, an EZIO-10 drill with 28mm bone marrow needle was used. Once the periosteum was reached, anesthesia in the area was confirmed. The EZIO-10 drill was turned on and once the periosteum was pierced, the drill was turned off. The stylet was removed from the neelde. A 12cc luer lock syringe with 2,000 IU of heparin (2cc) was attached to the cannula hub, then 10cc of bone marrow was extracted. The syringe was detached and an empty 10cc syringe was attached and with negative pressure the needle was removed. Pressure over the area was then applied with gauze for two minutes. A pressure dressing was then placed on the area and secured with tape.

Five ccs of direct bone marrow solution was then instilled into the ankle (tibiotalar) and subtalar joints after 1cc of 8% procaine (80mg of procaine) was injected. MD was instructed to follow-up every two months.

When MD came in for her second visit, she was pleased to report that her ankle felt stronger and more stable. She was able to be up on her feet for longer periods of time without pain and she could now walk about a half mile without pain. At her third visit, MD enthusiastically reported an even greater improvement. She was back to hiking up to three miles on hilly, uneven ground and she said that there were several days over the past couple months where she had absolutely no pain in her ankle. On her fourth visit, she reported being able to do activities of daily living without pain and could hike most days without any pain. She could now hike longer, more often, and go up mountains. Only with extreme strenuous hiking did she have symptoms. On physical examination she had only very minimal tenderness in the medial and lateral ankle ligamentous attachments and her active range of motion was as follows: dorsiflexion 15 degrees; plantar flexion 30 degrees; subtalar eversion 12 degrees; and subtalar inversion 16 degrees. She now walked, jumped, hiked, and ran with only minimal symptoms. She was phoned six months after her last visit and stated her pain on a 0 to 10 scale was 1 was aggressive activity, but had 0 pain with normal daily activities and no pain at rest. Her ankle swelling has completely resolved. She had no limitation of activities and has resumed aggressive mountain hiking. She is on no pain medication. Read the entire case report here.





Improvement of Ankle X-rays with Stem Cell Prolotherapy

This patient received several lipoaspirate Prolotherapy treatments between x-ray studies. The studies showed a gradual improvement in the ankle joint articular cartilage (arrows), which correlated to reduced pain and range of motion improvement.

Ankle X-ray Stem Cell Prolotherapy





More Information About Prolotherapy for Ankle Pain


How well do you understand the cause of your ankle pain?

Take the Joint Instability Quiz! This quiz covers how musculoskeletal pain develops and which important diagnosis is often missing when people are suffering from chronic pain.




Articles about Prolotherapy for Ankle Pain




Videos about Prolotherapy for Ankle Pain

More Ankle & Achilles Prolotherapy Videos




Books about Prolotherapy for Ankle Pain

Prolo Your Pain Away!Read about treating ankle pain with Prolotherapy in our free E-book, Prolo Your Pain Away! Curing Chronic Pain with Prolotherapy, 4th Edition. This edition explains all about Prolotherapy and how it is used to permanently alleviate pain from arthritis, sports injuries, and all types of chronic pain conditions! Plus, it takes an expanded look at the medical literature and patient studies on Regenerative Medicine: Prolotherapy, Platelet Rich Plasma, Stem Cell Therapy, and more!




Caring Medical: Utilizing dynamic testing to properly diagnose and identify the structures causing symptoms and degenerative conditions, and treating with comprehensive regenerative injection therapy, H3 Prolotherapy, and individualized joint rehabilitation protocols

You deserve the best possible results from your ankle pain treatment. Let’s make this happen! Talk to our team about your case to find out if you are a good candidate.

For example, resume marathon training, return to college, walk my children to/from school, be able to perform my manual labor job full-time, etc… Functional goals would not be “to feel NORMAL” or “to feel BETTER” as these feelings differ greatly for each person who is suffering from a chronic condition. You could also list some objective ways by which you are measuring the success of the treatments you have already received or are looking to receive.



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