Sculptra® Aesthetic Specialist
According To Dr. Nelya Lobkova
Us New Yorkers are predisposed to foot pain because we spend so much time on our feet. Pain or soreness in the foot commonly occurs in the ball of the foot and in the heel, which correspond to areas where most of our body weight is distributed to. Certain heel pain and pain in the ball of the foot could arise due to foot morphology, tendon/muscle tightness, and acquired conditions due to excessive activity and/or excessive high-heel wear. This pain is worsened by the loss of the naturally occurring fat pad in our feet, a commonly misdiagnosed condition called fat pad atrophy. Book a visit with NYC's top Podiatrist, Dr. Nelya Lobkova at Step Up Footcare in our TriBeCa Downtown NYC location for a Cushion Infusion procedure with Sculptra® Aesthetic filler to get rid of foot pain, return to your physical activity, and wear your favorite shoes again.
What is “Fat pad atrophy”?
The fat pad is natural fatty tissue concentrated in areas under bony prominences, under the ball of the foot, the toes, and the heel bone. On average, a normal fat pad measures between 1cm - 2cm thick in the ball of the foot and under the heel bone. When the thickness reaches below 1cm many report pain, burning sensations, an increase in painful calluses, and a feeling of “walking directly on their bones”. As we age, particularly after age 60, the fat in our bodies, especially in women, is redistributed. Exacerbating factors collectively cause the fat pad to migrate towards the toes where less padding is needed or the outside of the heel instead of right under the heel bone.
how does the “Cushion Infusion” work?
The Cushion Infusion technique performed by Dr. Nelya Lobkova at Step Up Footcare, uses Sculptra® Aesthetic which is injected into the targeted areas of the foot. It results in a quick and easy solution to alleviate heel pain and or pain in the ball of the foot due to fat pad atrophy with minimal risk of side effects and no downtime required. The Cushion Infusion procedure for the entire ball of the foot lasts between 30-45 minutes and is performed in the office with a topical anesthetic. Once the “Cushion Infusion” is performed, padding materializes immediately and pain is eliminated even when walking barefoot, walking in heels, and while undergoing high impact exercises.
What is Sculptra® Aesthetic filler?
Sculptra® Aesthetic is a sterile, biocompatible, and biodegradable material called poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA). The advantage of using Sculptra® is that it creates a cushion where the body is devoid of one and acts to stimulate the body to produce collagen the effects of which can last up to two years.
Is the “Cushion Infusion” Right for me?
The Cushion Infusion involves pressure redistribution and adding cushioning where it's needed most. This technique could be used to treat a variety of conditions caused by spending long hours on your feet, athletic activity and overuse, or wearing those lovely high heels all day. Some of the foot and ankle conditions that benefit from added padding are:
Fat pad atrophy
Metatarsalgia
High-arch feet
Painful calluses on bottom of the feet
Painful corns between the toes
Sesamoiditis or sesamoid fractures
Plantar Faciitis
Heel spurs & Other bone spurs
Laser Pain Therapy and or Custom Orthotics maybe recommended in addition to the Cushion Infusion to complement and accelerate recovery from some of the conditions listed above.
