Sports injuries and muscle-related conditions can put you out of action for days, weeks, or months. However, some people are now seeing the value in Botox as a treatment method.

Treatment options are abundant for sports injuries, such as heat and ice therapy. Still, it’s not out of the question to look elsewhere if there’s a chance something else can work better for some people than traditional methods.

What is Botox?

Ask anyone what Botox is, and they will most likely tell you that it’s a cosmetic injection used to get rid of wrinkles and lines. While, of course, that’s what it can do, there is more to this drug than meets the eye.

Botox, from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, is an injectable that inhibits muscle movement. Therefore, it has been used to treat several muscle-related conditions. In Australia, Botox is administered by registered medical professionals.

What the Research Says About Botox for Sports Injuries

You may not associate Botox with sports injuries, but research into it for treatment is promising. According to a study published in the Current Sports Medicine Reports journal, it can reduce chronic pain and even improve function in musculoskeletal conditions.

According to Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Dr. Clint Moore, Botox is ‘promising’ for pain relief and functional improvements. In particular, it may prove useful for tennis elbow, plantar fasciopathy, and knee osteoarthritis.

How Does Botox Help with Sports Injuries?

According to the research, Botox can produce muscle weakness and inhibit the release of pain modulators on sensory neurons. While there is a time limit on the success of the treatment, it may be repeated as necessary for ongoing benefits.

So far, Botox is shown to work for sports injuries for around three months, but pain may last for about six months. Therefore, there is reason to believe that the injectable can improve function in several musculoskeletal conditions.

Which Conditions Can Botox Help?

Regarding musculoskeletal conditions, there are a few standout players in the game. Chronic exertional compartment syndrome, lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow), osteoarthritis, and plantar fasciopathy are all potentially alleviated with the assistance of Botox.

Plantar faciopathy is one of the most common causes of plantar heel pain. This condition is caused by changes and thickening on the foot’s fibrous plantar fascia. While there are several treatment options already available for this condition, Botox may be able to improve function and reduce pain if those initial treatments fail.

Chronic exertional compartment syndrome is another condition that Botox may be able to assist with. It causes painful pressure in muscles, most commonly after exercise. Limited research suggests that Botox may be an effective and safe treatment method. It may even reduce the need for surgery.

Osteoarthritis is a common condition that causes both pain and reduced function in joints. Knee and shoulder pain are the most common complaints. Many people have noted reduced pain and disability after receiving Botox into the joint, particularly the knee joint.

Tennis elbow, which is another common musculoskeletal condition, may benefit from Botox treatment. Some people have reported less pain and more movement with Botox. However, there have been cases of temporary reduced grip strength.

There are several treatment options available to treat sports injuries and musculoskeletal conditions. However, if those fail, then it’s helpful to know that Botox may be a way in which to achieve more comfort and movement safely.