Neurotoxin injections to the plantar fascia can reduce pain by relaxing surrounding muscles near the heel bone.
Botox relieves plantar fasciitis symptoms by targeting the plantar fascia near the heel. It paralyzes surrounding muscles and blocks substance P, a neurotransmitter linked to pain. As a result, it reduces inflammation, swelling, and redness.
A 2017 study showed that neurotoxin injections effectively relieve pain, improve foot function, and lower the need for surgery. When paired with stretching exercises, neurotoxin offers a strong alternative to traditional steroid treatments.
Doctors don’t typically recommend neurotoxin injections as the first treatment for plantar fasciitis. Instead, they consider it for patients with ongoing heel pain who haven’t responded to conservative care. Botox often comes into play after other methods—like steroid injections, physical therapy, icing, heating, stretching, or orthotics—fail to bring relief within three to four months.
Most patients start to feel improvement within 24 to 48 hours after the injection, and the effects can last up to four months. Some may notice mild side effects, such as swelling, redness, or tenderness at the injection site.
Some people experience swelling, tenderness or redness around the injection site.
Costs varies on pricing of units of toxin, but here are the common amount of units used. Although the injections serve as a medical treatment, insurance does not cover this treatment.
Botox units commonly used are 50 units with only one treatment typically needed.
