Study on Plant-Based Oils in DMSO for Treating Heel Pain

Greg Howard
3rd August, 2024

Study on Plant-Based Oils in DMSO for Treating Heel Pain

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • A study by the Institute for Biomedical Sciences tested a new topical solution with plant terpenes for treating plantar fasciitis pain
  • By Day 10, 78.1% of patients using the terpene solution reported an 85% or greater reduction in pain, while the placebo group showed no significant improvement
  • The terpene solution, enhanced with DMSO and limonene, effectively permeated the thick plantar tissue, offering a promising non-invasive treatment option
Plantar fasciitis is a prevalent cause of heel pain, affecting approximately 0.85% of the adult population in the U.S., translating to over 2 million adults annually[1]. Despite its common occurrence, there is a scarcity of robust evidence supporting the superiority of one treatment modality over another. The condition, which is characterized by stabbing pain in the heel, particularly in the morning, can be debilitating[2]. Current treatments range from stretching exercises and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to more invasive options like corticosteroid injections and surgical interventions[2][3]. However, these approaches often lack consistent efficacy and can have undesirable side effects. A recent study conducted by the Institute for Biomedical Sciences explored the potential of a novel topical solution containing plant terpenes to alleviate pain associated with plantar fasciitis. This solution includes camphor, menthol, eugenol, eucalyptol, and vanillin, with skin permeation enhanced by 15% dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), 1% limonene, and rosemary oil. The study aimed to address the challenge of delivering effective analgesia through the thick, fibrotic plantar fascia and the thickened fat pad of the heel. In this placebo-controlled trial, 62 patients with plantar fasciitis were randomized and received either the terpene solution or a placebo. The treatment was applied topically at a dose of 1 ml twice daily. Pain scores were assessed using the validated Foot Function Index on Day 0, Day 1, Day 3, and Day 10. Remarkably, by Day 10, 78.1% of patients using the terpene solution reported an 85% or greater reduction in their total pain score, while the placebo group showed no significant improvement (One Way ANOVA, Pā€‰<ā€‰0.01). This study builds on existing knowledge by adapting the well-established modality of topical analgesia for soft tissue pain to the unique challenges posed by plantar fasciitis. The use of plant terpenes, combined with enhancers like DMSO and limonene, appears to effectively permeate the thick plantar tissue and provide significant pain relief. This approach represents a promising non-invasive treatment option that could benefit many patients suffering from this condition. Previous studies have highlighted the prevalence and impact of plantar fasciitis, noting that it affects a higher proportion of women and individuals aged 45 to 64, particularly those with a higher body mass index (BMI)[4]. Traditional treatments, such as customized functional foot orthoses and corticosteroid injections, have shown some efficacy in reducing pain but come with limitations and potential side effects[3]. For instance, corticosteroid injections can cause additional pain and have other side effects that may limit their acceptability[3]. The findings from the Institute for Biomedical Sciences provide a new direction for managing plantar fasciitis pain, particularly given the mixed results and side effects associated with existing treatments. The use of a topical solution offers a non-invasive alternative that could be easily incorporated into patients' daily routines without the need for medical procedures or the risk of systemic side effects associated with oral medications. Additionally, the study underscores the importance of continued research into effective, evidence-based treatments for plantar fasciitis. Given the high prevalence and significant impact on quality of life, developing reliable and safe treatment options remains a priority. The promising results from this study suggest that further exploration and larger clinical trials are warranted to confirm the efficacy and safety of the terpene solution and potentially bring this new treatment to broader clinical use. In summary, the study conducted by the Institute for Biomedical Sciences offers a novel and promising approach to managing plantar fasciitis pain through a topical solution of plant terpenes. This method could provide significant relief for many patients, addressing the limitations and side effects of current treatment options and representing a significant advancement in the management of this common and often debilitating condition.

MedicineHealth

References

Main Study

1) Randomized placebo controlled trial of phytoterpenes in DMSO for the treatment of plantar fasciitis.

Published 31st July, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-65979-1

Related Studies

2) Plantar Fasciitis.

Journal: American family physician, Issue: Vol 99, Issue 12, Jun 2019

3) Plantar fasciitis - to jab or to support? A systematic review of the current best evidence.

https://doi.org/10.2147/JMDH.S20053

4) Prevalence and Pharmaceutical Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis in United States Adults.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpain.2018.03.003


Related Articles

An unhandled error has occurred. Reload šŸ—™