How to deal with fat pad atrophy under the foot?

The human foot is a marvel of biomechanical engineering, bearing the weight of the entire body and facilitating movement. Central to this functionality is the plantar fat pad which is a soft tissue structure situated beneath the heel and the ball of the foot. This fat pad acts as a natural shock absorber, providing cushioning and support during each step we take. However, as individuals age, fat pad atrophy can occur, leading to discomfort and pain. Fat pad atrophy is a degeneration of this plantar fat pad degeneration. As individuals grow older, changes occur within the body's tissues, including the plantar fat pad. These changes can lead to a reduction in the volume and quality of the fat pad, causing it to become thinner and less effective at cushioning the foot. This fat pad atrophy in the foot is primarily a result of aging with the aging process itself being the most significant. As people get older, the collagen and elastin fibers within the fat pad break down, leading to decreased thickness and elasticity. Overuse and repetitive stress on the foot, such as from prolonged standing or walking, can accelerate fat pad degeneration. People with occupations that require long hours on their feet are more susceptible to this condition. Excess body weight can exacerbate fat pad atrophy, as it increases the pressure on the feet, leading to a higher likelihood of degeneration.

The thinning and degeneration of the plantar fat pad can result in a range of symptoms, which typically become more pronounced as the condition progresses. Common signs and symptoms of fat pad atrophy include pain which is the prevalent symptom of fat pad atrophy. This pain can be felt in the heel and the ball of the foot and is often described as sharp, burning, or aching, and it tends to worsen with weight-bearing activities. With the diminished ability of the fat pad's to absorb shock, individuals may experience discomfort when walking or standing for extended periods. Pressure points can develop on the sole of the foot, leading to calluses and corns, as the fat pad's reduced thickness makes the skin more susceptible to friction and pressure.

While fat pad atrophy in the foot is a common condition among the elderly, it is not an irreversible one. Various strategies and treatments for fat pad atrophy can help manage the associated pain and discomfort, especially the use of cushioning insoles. Properly fitting shoes with ample cushioning and arch support can alleviate some of the pressure on the fat pad. More support can come from custom or over-the-counter orthotic insoles that can provide additional cushioning and support, helping to distribute weight more evenly across the foot. For individuals with excess body weight, weight reduction can alleviate some of the pressure on the feet, slowing the progression of fat pad atrophy. This is more of a long-term approach. In some cases, medical professionals may recommend corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation and provide short-term pain relief. In the more severe cases of fat pad atrophy, surgical procedures like fat grafting may be considered to restore the fat pad's volume and function.

Craig Payne is a University lecturer, runner, cynic, researcher, skeptic, forum admin, woo basher, clinician, rabble-rouser, blogger and a dad.