Surgery Alternative - Prolotherapy?

[Alinoz]

Over 8 months ago I broke my leg and have problems with my ankle ever since. Hospital have continuously told me to rest it but after 7 months I saw a specialist.

As it turns out I have considerable damage to my ankle. It's suspected I have damaged the Subtalar joint although I also have pain around my achilles and lower fibula. The recommendation from the specialist was an ankle fusion. I'm 33 and used to play sport 7 days a week and currently I'm restricted to Weight training only. There is a risk that with Ankle Fusion I might not be able to play sport again so I am currently looking into an alternative treatment called Prolotherapy.

For anybody suffering any sort of sport/joint injury it's worth looking up on the net about Prolotherapy as it looks like a genuine alternative approach to surgery. I am due to see a prolotherapy specialist in 2 weeks to see if it is going to improve my condition.

I'd be interested to hear any views on prolotherapy from experts or people who have tried the treatments.

[Alex S]

Alinoz, I've had subtalar damage also to both ankles from a skydiving injury about 6 years ago. I was told I'd never walk properly again blah blah blah and after 16 months, I managed to get back to being at 40% mobility. This was enough to keep my job luckily. I've managed to retain some semblance of lifestyle with regard to sports and activities but I usually pay for it the next day. I've tried a few things as an alternate to surgery (which seems inevitable) including glucosamine, physio and accupuncture (the best pain relief) but I'm looking at giving prolotherapy a go. I'd be interested to hear your feedback after some treatment. Please keep us all posted.

[Alinoz]

Ok, well the muscular-skeletal specialist was certainly a lot more informative towards my injury and what has happened and why there is pain etc. Certainly seemed more willing to help than the surgeon. At the end of the say he was a bit surprised I had been recommended for ankle fusion but he did say that if you see a surgeon you will get a surgical answer to your problems.

So, I go in for my first Prolotherapy injection next thursday. Thinks there is about a 50/50 chance of improvement. But the good news was that there are a couple of other treatments he can try if I don't respond to prolotherapy.

So, It's definately worthwhile seeing a muscular-skeletal specialist in my mind. Especially before you consider surgery. Surgery might be inevitable but at least I will have explored all the avenues available to me.

Will keep you posted post-injections.

[injuryupdate]

A fusion is a nasty alternative and I would take it only if all else fails. Prolotherapy was initially described for ligament injuries and back pain, but may be worth a try.