Feet Age, Too. Here’s How Dermal Fillers Can Help.

Walking barefoot on the beach, strutting in high heels, or training for a long-distance run are common goals for many women. However, these activities often lead to painful foot conditions, especially for those over 60. Fat pad atrophy affects 30% of people in this age group, causing deep bruise-like pain in the heels or balls of the feet when walking barefoot or standing for long periods.

For some perspective, compare your feet to those of a baby. Baby feet are plump and cushioned, but as we age, wear and tear breaks down that plush tissue. Putting your feet to heavy use will only accelerate the process. Some of that internal cushioning can be restored, even if just temporarily, with the injection of dermal fillers.

Podiatrists like Ben Pearl, DPM, and Anne Sharkey, DPM, specialize in sports medicine and treat endurance athletes looking to restore cushion lost in their feet from pounding the pavement. They’ve seen promising results from using dermal fillers for feet, particularly in patients with metatarsal pain.

A Promising Treatment for Pain Relief

Patients have more than one option for injectables when it comes to dermal fillers for feet. Hyaluronic acid filler, calcium hydroxylapatite (such as Radiesse), and human body fat (adipose tissue) are all viable options. Each has its benefits, with fat injections lasting up to two years and hyaluronic acid fillers requiring a touch-up in six to nine months.

Regenerative medicine is appealing to patients because it’s not a promise that the foot will return to its former glory, but rather that it will be ‘as close to normal as possible.’ Dr. Pearl and Dr. Sharkey have both seen positive results from their patients, and scientific studies corroborate the efficacy of the treatment.

What to Expect During Treatment

Injecting dermal fillers into the feet is a more complex procedure than aesthetic injections. Knowing where to inject requires an understanding of the foot’s pressure points, and the skin is much tougher on the feet than on the face. Dr. Pearl uses ultrasound to help determine where to replace the fat to offload the pain.

While the cost of the procedure depends on the amount of filler used and the brand, patients can expect to pay more than for cosmetic use. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons places the average cost of hyaluronic acid filler treatment at $715, while nonhyaluronic acid fillers like Radiesse cost $901 on average per treatment.

However, insurance coverage is unlikely, as the procedure may not be considered medically necessary. Patients who are transparent with their provider about financial concerns can work together to find a middle ground between pain relief and high costs.

Alternatives to Dermal Fillers

For those who cannot afford dermal fillers, there are other ways to pad your feet for pain-free movement. Using kinesiology tape, anti-fatigue mats, over-the-counter padded insoles, and cushioned shoes are all viable options. A podiatrist can help walk you through any of these options and come up with a plan to minimize your pain.