A Woman’s Right to (Painful) Shoes
Women love their shoes, but one could argue it's an abusive relationship. While they give their beloved shameful amounts of money, ample closet space and loads of affection, they're often repaid in the form of bunions, calluses and corns. Finally, the medical industry has intervened.
Dr. Thomman Kuruvilla, orthopedic surgeon for Advanced Orthopedic & Sports Medicine, would like for women to continue their love affair -- sans the pain. His office performs two procedures intended to make feet more comfortable, despite the type of shoes they wear.
"(The procedures) have been very popular because of the temporary aspect," says Kuruvilla. "But also because Las Vegas is a walking town."
The first procedure, Botox for the Feet, uses Botox to treat excessive foot sweat, which can apply to people with a sweat condition or anyone who's on their feet all day. Everyone from Cirque du Soleil performers to casino workers to exotic dancers have benefited from Botox for the Feet.
It takes five to 10 minutes and consists of Botox injections over the entire foot, which Kuruvilla says is "not fun" but patients can have an option to be put to sleep. Anyone looking to prevent the slipping and sliding -- and consequent blisters and calluses -- caused by foot sweat can benefit from the Botox procedure that lasts 10 months.
If it's pain in general that has you cursing your 6-inch Jimmy Choos, you might consider Juvéderm for the Feet. Normally used as a filler for fine lines and wrinkles, three to four Juvéderm injections in the ball of the foot creates a padding that lets you take a two-hour shoe well beyond its limits. The Juvéderm procedure lasts close to a year.
The treatments got their start in New York and were first tested with silicone, which proved faulty as bursts led to infections.
Risks entailed with both procedures are potential allergic reactions, which can cause infection. But, perhaps more concerning than that rare possibility is the price tag. Both cost $1,000 a foot, roughly the same price as a beautiful pair of Christian Louboutins.
Advanced Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, 740-5327
