Prolotherapy for joint pain, is there any risk longterm risk?

I been getting prolotherapy for the last three months in my knees and back and I can say I feel 100 percent better than all the other medications I was on for last 5 years, I knew it worsen with the weight gain I had, I had seen this specialist in beverly hills for weight loss, in which he helped me lose weight but I still had the knee pain, it actually worsened when I lost the weight. I returned to see my Ortho and he told me it did not worked, but he also wanted to do cortisone injections, as an RN. I just did not think it was right. I asked my weight loss specialist, who is actually a DO. He told me he did prolotherapy, he explained to me what it was and I decided to go for it. I never thought to question it until the other day when I say my regular Internist and he told me that I should stop that and start seeing an Ortho instead. I really do not understand why? I asked several doctors on my floor but they do not know anything about it , as they are cardio specialist. What could be so dangerous, all it is is dextose and marcaine. I feel 100% better and I see that this docotr sees several people with the same problems I have and they all seem to say they fell 100% better, but I guess I feel the reason why these doctors are saying this is because insurance does not cover this?
Is this true or is it dangerous?

[Kevin Pho, MD]

There are not a lot of consensus studies supporting the use of prolotherapy.  That being said, there are anecdotal reports suggesting that this modality is helpful.  

I cannot comment on long-term effects due to lack of studies.  However, if it is improving your symptoms, it would be reasonable to continue in conjunction with close monitoring from your personal physician.

Prolotherapy is consider an "alternative" therapy, perhaps the reason for the lack of acceptable from your physicians.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
www.kevinmd.com