Prolotherapy for Persistent Foot and Ankle Pain
Prolotherapy—also known as regenerative injection therapy—uses targeted injections of dextrose solution and local anaesthetic for persistent tendon, ligament and joint pain.
At Prahran Foot Clinic in Melbourne, treatment is tailored to your assessment, symptoms and goals. We also use perineural dextrose injections for selected nerve-related pain.
If pain continues to limit walking, work or sport despite other treatment, our podiatrists can explain whether prolotherapy is an appropriate next step.
How Prolotherapy Supports Healing
Dextrose prolotherapy is thought to trigger a mild, controlled healing response in the injured tissue. This encourages:
The local anaesthetic may provide short-term relief. Research continues to examine how dextrose prolotherapy may influence pain and tissue healing, and outcomes vary by condition and individual.
Treatment commonly involves a series of injections—usually 2–6 sessions spaced weeks apart—depending on the condition and your response. Mild to moderate soreness can occur for a day or two after treatment, and improvement generally develops over several weeks.
We will explain aftercare, activity modification and the expected healing timeline so you know what to expect at each stage.
Conditions We Treat at Prahran Foot Clinic
At Prahran Foot Clinic, prolotherapy is considered for a range of persistent lower-limb conditions, including:
Plantar fasciitis (heel pain)
Randomised trials and systematic reviews support dextrose prolotherapy as an effective treatment option for chronic plantar fasciitis, with reported improvements in pain and foot function. Results and optimal treatment protocols vary, making individual assessment essential. Learn more about plantar fasciitis and heel pain.
Achilles tendinopathy and other tendon injuries
Multiple studies across Achilles, patellar, rotator cuff and elbow tendinopathies report improvements in pain and functional capacity. Outcomes vary between patient groups, making individual assessment essential. Learn more about Achilles tendinopathy.
Foot and ankle ligament injury or chronic instability
Research now includes a randomised placebo-controlled trial reporting improved dynamic balance and fewer recurrent ankle sprains following dextrose prolotherapy. This supports its use in selected patients with chronic ankle instability who have not responded adequately to conservative treatment.
Forefoot pain (Morton’s neuroma, bursitis and plantar plate dysfunction)
Clinical reports, including a prospective study of patients with unresolved Morton’s neuroma pain, have reported reduced pain and improved function following dextrose prolotherapy. Evidence for Morton’s neuroma, intermetatarsal bursitis and plantar plate dysfunction is less extensive than for plantar fasciitis, so treatment is considered only following careful assessment. Learn more about forefoot pain.
Knee osteoarthritis and knee pain
Randomised controlled trials and systematic reviews indicate that dextrose prolotherapy can improve pain and function for some people with knee osteoarthritis. Protocols and individual outcomes vary. Learn more about knee osteoarthritis and knee pain.
If you’re unsure whether your condition is suitable, our podiatrists will guide you through the available evidence, treatment alternatives and expected outcomes.
Depending on your assessment, related treatment options can include radial shockwave therapy, orthotics and insoles or dry needling.
Research and further reading
- Review of dextrose prolotherapy basic science, clinical research and treatment recommendations
- Systematic review of prolotherapy for sports-related tendinopathies
- Systematic review and meta-analysis of dextrose prolotherapy for chronic plantar fasciitis
- Systematic review comparing dextrose prolotherapy and corticosteroid injections for plantar fasciitis
- Randomised placebo-controlled trial of dextrose prolotherapy for chronic ankle instability
- Prospective study of dextrose prolotherapy for unresolved Morton’s neuroma pain
Persistent pain affecting your walking, work or sport?
Book a comprehensive podiatry assessment to discuss the available options and whether prolotherapy is suitable for you.
Risks and Safety
Dextrose prolotherapy is generally safe and well-tolerated when used appropriately. Common short-term effects include temporary soreness, swelling, bruising or minor bleeding. Serious complications are uncommon but can include infection, allergic reaction, a temporary increase in pain, or nerve or tissue irritation.
At Prahran Foot Clinic, your treatment is performed under strict sterile technique and clinical protocols. If you are pregnant, taking blood-thinning medication, have relevant allergies or have a medical condition that could affect treatment, we will discuss suitability during your consultation.
Is Prolotherapy Right for You?
Prolotherapy may be suitable if:
Our podiatrists take a personalised, evidence-aligned approach — assessing biomechanics, past treatments, imaging, lifestyle and goals — to determine whether prolotherapy is the right path for you.
Consult with Our
Experienced Podiatrists
Our experienced podiatrists provide personalised, evidence-based care for foot and ankle conditions.
Get in touch
Have a question or need help arranging an appointment?
Contact our friendly team and we’ll respond as soon as possible.
Ready to book? Use our online booking system.
Opening Hours
Mon–Fri: 10 am–7 pm
Sat: 9 am–1 pm