MD Podiatrist Discusses Dermal Fillers to Restore Plantar Cushion

As we age, wear and tear breaks down that plush tissue on the bottom of your feet. And if you put your feet to heavy use, you’ll wear down that cushion quicker. Some of that internal cushioning can be restored—even if just temporarily—with the injection of dermal fillers. “It’s getting very popular because people are already familiar with it for aesthetic [uses],” says Dan Michaels, DPM.   Dr. Michaels specializes in sports medicine and treats endurance athletes looking to restore cushion lost in patients’ feet from pounding the pavement.

This type of regenerative medicine is appealing to patients. It’s not a promise that the foot will return to its former glory, but that it will be “as close to normal as possible,” says Dr. Michaels. While there are a growing number of cosmetic clinics offering the procedure, Dr. Michaels cautions against allowing just any injector at it. That’s because injecting filler into feet is a more complex procedure than an aesthetic injection. For one, knowing where to inject requires an understanding of the foot’s pressure points. In his own practice, Dr. Michaels uses ultrasound to help determine where to replace the fat to offload the pain.