Our feet endure a tremendous amount of pressure with every step we take, but thankfully, they have built-in cushioning in the form of fat pads!
These pads, located on the balls and heels of our feet, act as shock absorbers and protect our bones and joints from impact… but what happens when these cushions start to thin? Here at Your Next Step Podiatry, we know this as fat pad atrophy, and today, we’ll learn about this condition in detail.
What is Fat Pad Atrophy?
Fat pad atrophy is the thinning or loss of the protective fat pads on the soles of your feet. So, who’s at risk?
Many older adults are impacted; as we age, the fat pads naturally thin, making us more susceptible to pain and injury.
And if you’re an athlete, the repetitive stress and excessive pressure on the feet can contribute to this wear and tear of the soles.
Also, if you have certain medical conditions such as diabetes and peripheral neuropathy, that can damage the fat pads and impair their ability to regenerate. Diabetes affects nerves and blood vessels, which impairs the health of fat pads.
From a structural standpoint, people with high arches or flat feet may typically place more pressure on specific areas of the foot, which can also make them prone to fat pad atrophy.
Symptoms of Fat Pad Atrophy
Symptoms of fat pad atrophy include pain in the ball or heel of the foot and a feeling of walking directly on bone. You might also experience increased sensitivity to pressure and changes in foot shape. For example, you may notice a flattening of the arch or a change in the way your foot hits the ground.
Treatment and Management
Typical solutions to fat pad loss include custom orthotics to redistribute pressure away from the affected areas; supportive footwear; strategically placed padding or taping; and pain management, whether it be corticosteroid injections, topical creams, or prescription medications.
Weight loss may also help take the pressure off the thinning pad. Consult with your podiatrist to come up with a comprehensive strategy that’s right for you.
Dr. Eric Ricefield, Dr. Mark Yagodich, Dr. Aliza V. Eisen, and Dr. Cassandra Stache are eager to assist with all your foot and ankle problems. Solidify your appointment and contact us today!