Botox for your feet

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(NBC) - You've heard of Botox to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, but how about problems with the feet? One group of doctors is doing it to get patients on their feet without pain.

If there is damage to the brain or spinal cord it can leave your feet contracted in a position which makes it difficult or impossible to walk. Doctors use Botox to relax a contracture so they can either brace the foot or provide casting to help with stability and flexibility.

Dr. Craig Morton said by paralyzing one muscle or muscle group, the foot can relax enough to no longer overpower the surrounding muscles.

"It takes about two or three days from the initial injection into the spastic muscle to start to see results and about two weeks after the injections, we see a peak effect," explained Morton. "That can last about three months before slowly wearing off."

Doctors said this procedure can also help young children with cerebral palsy all the way up to the elderly with muscle spasms.

Most insurance plans will cover Botox treatments for foot problems.

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