A Comparison of Botulinum Toxin A and Intralesional Steroids for the Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis: A Randomized, Double-Blinded Study
Plantar fasciitis is the most frequent cause of chronic heel pain, leaving many sufferers unable to put their best foot forward for months at a time. Now this study suggests that physicians should turn to Botox rather than steroids to offer patients the fastest road to recovery. Physicians may suggest various therapies for this condition, including applying steroids, regular stretching exercises or injecting botulinum toxin A (BTX-A), also known as Botox. The researchers set up a prospective, experimental, randomized, double-blinded, and controlled clinical trial, where patients were treated either with steroids or with Botox for their painful feet. Both groups were shown the same series of physical exercises to help their recovery. After six months, patients who received Botox injections were the clear winners, demonstrating more rapid and sustained improvement than their counterparts on the steroid regime.
Jorge Elizondo-Rodriguez, MD1, Yariel Araujo-Lopez, MD1, J. Alberto Moreno-Gonzalez, MD1, Eloy Cardenas-Estrada, MD, PhD1, Oscar Mendoza-Lemus, MD, PhD1, & Carlos Acosta-Olivo, MD, PhD1 (2013). A Comparison of Botulinum Toxin A and Intralesional Steroids for the Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis A Randomized, Double-Blinded Study Foot & Ankle International , 34 (1) : 10.1177/1071100712460215