Dextrose Prolotherapy Injections for Chronic Ankle Pain
Hauser R, Hauser M, Cukla J. Dextrose prolotherapy injections for chronic ankle pain. Practical Pain Management. 2010;Jan/Feb.
Introduction
In this 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.
In this continuing series, Dr. Hauser reports on patients treated for unresolved ankle pain at a volunteer charity clinic having limited resources and personnel between 2000 to 2005. Treatment consisted of injecting a dextrose solution at specific ankle sites to stimulate healing of ligaments, tendons and joints. Patients—including those who were told by prior doctors that ‘nothing more could be done’ or that ‘surgery was the only option’—responded favorably to treatment as demonstrated by reports of reduced pain levels, increased range of motion, extended ability to exercise, reduced depression, reduced anxiety, and a reduction in medications needed.