In the last 10 years or so, talk about the use of dermal fillers has become pretty common to treat areas of the face and other parts of the body. Did you know that some of these fillers, when injected into the foot, can also help with foot pain? Dermal fillers being used in the feet is not a new treatment option. Doctors, whether they are Podiatrists, Dermatologists, or Plastic Surgeons recognize the benefits of using certain kinds of filler in feet. Here are some commonly used fillers that are used in the feet.
Hyaluronic Acid (HA) injections for feet
Sculptra for feet
Leneva for feet
1. Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is the most commonly used dermal filler.
Hyaluronic acid (which is actually a type of sugar) is found naturally in the body, with the highest amounts being eyes, skin, and joints.
Hyaluronic acid attracts water, and as this water is pulled to it, the skin becomes plumper.
As time moves on, and we age, fat loss is seen in several parts of our body.
The feet are one of these areas where this fat loss happens, especially the bottom or sole of the feet. Over time due to this fat loss, walking can become painful due to the lack of cushion.
Hyaluronic Acid, specifically Restylane injections in the feet helps to temporarily restore that lost cushion.
Any injuries to the bottom of the foot, or previous surgeries can also cause fat loss to the bottom of the foot as well, for which a filler like Hyaluronic Acid could be used.
Using fillers for bony feet is a great treatment option to return to the activities you love.
One of the great things about Hyaluronic acid is that the results are instant.
In the foot, the cushioning effect from Hyaluronic acid can last for several months, but this will vary from patient to patient.
2. Sculptra
Sculptra is another type of filler made from poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA-SCA).
As we age, collagen, a type of protein found in skin, bones, tendons, and ligaments is slowly lost. Collagen is a building block to many parts of our body.
Sculptra has been shown to help the body make new collagen, also known as biostimulation.
For this reason, some doctors don't like to classify Sculptra as a dermal filler because of the new collagen it helps your body make, putting this product and others similar to it in a class of their own.
This newly made collagen can help with volume loss in the soles of the feet, and certain types of foot pain, commonly metatarsalgia or pain to the balls of feet.
Sculptra injections for the feet are another minimally invasive treatment option to get back to your life before the foot pain began.
Because Sculptra stimulates collagen production, the final results can take weeks to months to feel, but patients still will feel added cushion in their feet once leaving the office.
Sculptra in the foot is usually repeated every 6 months, but again this will be different from patient to patient.
3. Leneva
Leneva is a type of foot filler that uses donated human adipose or fat Leneva is FDA-approved for several uses in the foot including ulcers, tunneling wounds, and fat pad reconstruction.
Leneva can also be used to treat painful corns and calluses, giving much-needed lost cushion to these areas, as well as for heel pain due to heel spurs.
Leneva is great as a long-lasting treatment for painful corns and calluses because unlike just trimming the callus or corn and leaving it alone, Leneva treats the root cause of the corn or callus forming in the first place.
For patients who are looking to avoid foot surgery to correct any possible bone spurs or other causes of the corn or callus being present, Leneva is a great option. To read the patient brochure on Leneva, click here: https://www.mtfbiologics.org/docs/default-source/product/mtf-wc_leneva_patient_dfw_single_r9.pdf
Who should not get foot filler injections?
At your exam. The doctor will take a thorough history and physical to see if receiving a foot filler is safe and right for you. People with a history of these conditions should not get foot filler injections:
Those with active foot infections
A history of keloid formation
Allergies to the ingredients in the filler
A history of bleeding disorders
A history of autoimmune disease
What are some possible side effects of foot filler injections?
Pain or discomfort
Swelling
Bruising
Infection
Itching
Lumps or bumps underneath the skin
Schedule Your Free Consultation At Direct Podiatry Arizona
Looking for a doctor who does foot filler injections in Phoenix, AZ? My name is Dr. Tarr, and I am the owner of Direct Podiatry Arizona. Our office is located in the heart of Tempe, at the corner of US-60 and Mill Ave. To view available appointment times for a free consultation, click here: directpodaz.janeapp.com