DERMAL FILLER
Relief from pain over bony areas
Dermal filler therapy is an effective method of treating specific foot conditions. It involves the injection of hyaluronic acid into the desired area of the foot to provide relief from pain caused by excessive pressure e.g., painful corns, loss of fatty padding under the balls of feel or over other bony prominences and pressure arising from prolonged wear of high heeled shoes.
It can also be used to cushion painful/protect vulnerable areas e.g., atrophied skin, and scarring. Dermal injections are a long-term treatment option, they are more effective than any padding applied directly to the skin, they add volume, cushioning and eliminate pain. The injected filler can last for up to 18 months*.
It’s a great choice for people who want to remain active as it provides a nonsurgical, long-lasting, well- tolerated, and efficient treatment to alleviate pain and discomfort.
The injectable that we use is hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid has demonstrated good tolerability and longevity, as well as good resistance to deformation. It is a naturally occurring substance that is produced by the body. It can be found in the eyes, skin, and joints. It can attach itself to cells, attracts and binds to water molecules in a process which creates the desired “plumping” effect, therefore making it very useful for injection into a specific area and forming increased cushioning. Once injected, it will gradually break down and be absorbed by the body over a period of up to 18 months*.
How is it done?
Hyaluronic acid is administered via injection under local anaesthetic into the affected area. As the procedure is done under local anaesthetic the area will remain numb for at least three hours following the procedure. In the vast majority of cases, there is minimal soreness after the anaesthetic has worn off, in some cases, there is no soreness at all.
There might be redness, swelling and bruising, this is normal and will disappear after a few days. Following the injection the injected area will feel well-padded to touch. It is normal to feel firmness on the site of treatment during the first few days, this will soften over time.
Is it safe?
Yes. The body naturally produces Hyaluronic acid, furthermore, research shows that it is safe as reactions to hyaluronic acid are very rare at 0.2% - 0.4% of cases.
Bibliography
Foumenteze, J.P., Simpson, H. and Kerrouche, N. (2018) ‘Hyaluronic acid filler injections under the metatarsal heads provide a significant and long-lasting improvement in metatarsalgia from wearing high-heeled shoes’, Dermatologic Surgery, 44(7), pp. 994–1001. doi:10.1097/dss.0000000000001470 Schoenhaus, J., Gold, J. and McFarlane, A. (2022) ‘Pressure offloading injectable system (POIS): Evaluating the use of an injectable dermal filler for offloading painful pressure points during weight bearing activities’, Journal of the International Foot & Ankle Foundation, 1(10). doi:10.55067/jifaf.v1i10.33.
Ali NS, Hoss E, Kollipara R, Goldman MP. Hyaluronic Acid Filler for Treatment of Metatarsal Fat Pad Atrophy. Dermatol Surg. 2021 Jul 1;47(7):1034-1035. doi: 10.1097/DSS.0000000000002999. PMID: 33731566.
