FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can fat pad atrophy lead to other problems?
The atrophy of the fat pads can lead to other foot health problems. The change in anatomy predisposes individuals to develop other problems such as neuromas, metatarsalgia, capsulitis and bursitis. These conditions can amplify the pain experienced and may lead to the need for additional conservative or surgical care.
What type of symptoms can I expect with fat pad atrophy?
- Pain in the ball of the foot or heel
- Pain when barefoot, in high-heels or thinned soled shoes.
- Pain which is worse when standing and relieved when sitting.
- The feeling of having a small ‘pebble’ in the shoe.
- Painful Calluses may appear and become very thick on the ball or heel of the foot.
Who can benefit from the procedure?
- Women who wear high-heels
- Men
- Women
- Athletes
- Essentially anyone who suffers with fat pad atrophy
Indications for the procedure:
- Fat pad atrophy
- Pain from structural or biomechanical abnormalities such as a high-arched or flat feet
- Metatarsalgia or ‘stilleto-tarsalgia’ (burning on the ball of the foot)
- Nerve pain secondary to atrophied fat pads
- Scarred and traumatically damage skin and surrounding tissue
- Heel Fat Pad Syndrome or ‘sore heel’
- Patients with previous pedal ulcerations
How is plantar fat pad atrophy currently treated?
- Avoiding certain activities that places pressures on the affected areas
- Supportive or accommodative orthotics to provide adequate shock absorption and comfort
- Over-the-counter Pads / padding devices
- Supportive foot wear
- Change in shoe gear