How Does Botox® Work as a Medical Treatment?

Perhaps the biggest medical aesthetics success story of the century is that of Botox® Cosmetic, an injectable neuromodulator that reduces the appearance of dynamic wrinkles. In 2023, nearly 10 million people chose Botox and similar treatments to make their faces look younger. 

Many of those choosing Botox injections may not know that wrinkles weren’t the original reason for its formulation. In fact, since its introduction, Botox has found a place in many medical treatments. 

At Metro Anesthesia & Pain Management in West Des Moines and East Des Moines, Iowa, we most often turn to Botox to treat persistent and chronic migraines, but that’s just the start of its varied applications. Today, we look at how Botox works as a medical treatment. 

Strabismus

Strabismus occurs when one eye points in a different direction than the other. It can be treated with surgery, but the success rate is low. In the 1970s, the idea emerged to isolate the muscles responsible for the misaligned eye and hinder their ability to contract. 

A derivative of the toxin that causes botulism, Botox is purified and diluted to produce an injectable formula that temporarily blocks a muscle’s ability to contract. In the case of strabismus, a Botox injection stops the muscle activity that pulls the eye out of alignment. 

Eyelid spasms

Uncontrolled blinking is another eye muscle problem for which Botox treatments proved effective. Any eyelid dysfunction that traces back to muscle issues responds to the relaxing effects of Botox injections. 

Migraines

With the use of Botox around the eyes, it wasn’t long until reports of fewer and less severe migraine episodes emerged. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Botox to treat migraines in 2010. 

Overactive bladder

Some types of urinary incontinence occur because signals from the brain make bladder muscles contract. Botox relaxes the bladder, helping patients control their urinary urges. 

Excessive sweating

Excessive sweating, or hyperhidrosis, is usually controlled by prescription antiperspirants. When these fail, Botox could be the answer. In this case, Botox blocks the overactive nerve signals from reaching sweat glands in your problem area. 

Botox is FDA-approved for use in the armpit area and may be used off-label in other problem spots, like the face, feet, and hands. 

Foot pain

When activities or footwear prevent you from spreading your weight evenly across the soles of your feet, muscles and tendons can contract, sometimes painfully. Relaxing these contractions can ease chronic foot pain where other methods, like steroid injections, aren’t as effective. 

Contact Metro Anesthesia & Pain Management by phone or online to learn more about the pain-relieving properties of Botox and live your life pain-free. Schedule your visit today.