Botox for Migraines

Injecting Botox around the head and neck about every 12 weeks helps dull future headache symptoms and improve quality of life in people with near-daily migraines, according to a 2011 study of 1,384 adults. FDA-approved for chronic migraine in 2010, Botox has not been shown to work for migraine headaches that occur 14 days or less per month, or for other forms of headache.

Botox for Urinary Frequency

People with overactive bladders or OAB report improved urinary control for six months or more after injection of Botox into the bladder muscle. Experts say the drug (approved in 2011 for OAB resulting from multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injury) blocks signals that activate the bladder muscle, but doesn’t interfere with the function of surrounding muscles.

Botox for Foot Pain

People with aching feet are also opting for Botox—even though it’s not approved for treating the prevalent problem. Small cushions of fatty acids that protect feet from torque and shear are decidedly crucial as we pound through life. But wearing high heels can wear out the fat pad at the base of the toes. And thin-soled athletic cleats and steroid injections for plantar fasciitis (a frequent cause of chronic heel pain) can sometimes shrink padding under the heel and on the outer arch contact area. Aging, having diabetes, or being overweight also put feet at risk.

“Pain occurs when areas of the feet are subjected to unaccustomed strain as the padding deteriorates,” explains New York podiatrist Alan Berman. Botox injections may relieve pain for about three months or the amount of time the drug remains in the system, according to ongoing research. Plumping up sore feet with newer skin fillers (Juvederm, Sculptra) also seems promising. “Wearing supportive insoles such as Lynco or Spenco inserts and well-fitting shoes remain the gold standard for lasting relief,” advises Dr. Berman.

Happy Birthday, Botox! The Saturday Evening Post

The Urgent PC Neuromodulation System looks simple enough: A nerve stimulator attached to a super-thin needle placed just under the skin on the inside of the ankle is activated for 30 minutes while the patient relaxes in the doctor’s office. Painless impulses travel up to the nerve that controls pelvic muscles and bladder function. Studies show that most people improve after 12 weekly sessions.

“The approval of PTNS is a breakthrough for both men and women with overactive bladder symptoms who have not responded to oral medicines or can’t tolerate the side effects,” explains Dr. Neal D. Shore of Grand Strand Urology/Carolina Urologic Research Center in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. “The Urgent PC Neuromodulation System is safe, with a very high success rate.”

“This treatment gives hope to those who otherwise have limited treatment options, provides dignity to those whom it helps, and improves their quality of life,” comments Dr. Scott MacDiamid of Alliance Urology Specialists in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Click here for local health care providers who utilize the Urgent PC Neuromodulation System or check with your doctor.

Gotta Go? The Saturday Evening Post

• Margaret suggests that the skin problem may be linked to Raynaud’s disease.

Help for Overactive Bladder:

• Mary, an 80-year-young lady, is happy to share that sipping weak lemonade helps her. She carries a small bottle of lemonade in her purse wherever she goes, even to church. A tea from Bell Lifestyle Products, sold at health food stores, also eases her problem.

About Bruises:

• Anita and her husband use Arniflora Gel to protect skin. She reports it is a bit pricey, but lasts a long time.

• Nell says her bruises went away two weeks after she started taking Viactiv chews with calcium and vitamin D. Plain vitamin D works now.

• Houston had good results from taking one or two citrus bioflavonoid capsules daily.

Readers Talk About Eczema, Bruising, and Overactive Bladder The Saturday Evening Post