Fat Pad Atrophy

Between our skin and heel bone, we have a one inch thick pad which acts as a shock absorber and cushion. This cushion is called a fat pad because it's mostly made up of fatty tissue. The pad is divided into sections by ligamentous baffles which keep the fat pad from spreading out and keeping the pad where it belongs- under the heel.
Over time, this fat pad can stretch out, causing us to lose some of that cushion and creating pain in the heel. Weight bearing is often very uncomfortable when this occurs. Typically, fat pad atrophy happens to the elderly, but runners and athletes who run a lot suffer from this condition. Also, if you've landed hard on a surface while barefoot, jumped in dress shoes with a hard heel, stepped on a stone, or work on a surface that is concrete, tiled, or hardwood, you may also experience this pain.
Symptoms of this condition include:

• Pain in the middle of the heel. This is different from plantar fascia or bone spur pain, which would be present at the front of the heel. 
• A deep, dull aching pain that feels like a bruise.

Fat pad atrophy may or may not improve over time, so it is important to allow the heel to rest while it is healing. This will allow the inflammation to decrease. Talk with your podiatrist about a heel cup, which is inserted in your shoes and provides cushioning in the heel area. If this does not work, a heel insert may be added to your shoes to keep the fat pad in place. Other treatment options include icing after exercise or activity, wearing well-cushioned shoes, and avoiding walking barefoot on hard surfaces.
If you are experiencing heel pain, call our Rocky Hill or Middletown office to make an appointment.
Jeffrey S. Kahn, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Heel Pain Doctor in CT
Podiatrist in Rocky Hill and Middletown, CT
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