Cause and Treatment of Fat Pad Atrophy in the Foot
Underneath the bottom of the heel is a fat pad which naturally cushions the heel and protects us as we walk and run. Whenever running or walking, there exists a load equal to around in excess of 2 times bodyweight on the calcaneus during heel strike, therefore it really should be obvious why we all need that fat pad. This force is even higher whenever running. Without having that fat pad there may be inferior shock reduction and this can result in quite a few problems due to this inadequate cushioning. The most common is probably discomfort under the calcaneus. This isn't a common cause of heel discomfort, however is a vital one since it can regularly be mistaken for heel spurs and other conditions. Usually it is not difficult to identify because there is simply no shock absorption beneath the calcaneus and you can very easily feel the calcaneus.
Causes of Fat Pad Atrophy:
The reasons for fat pad atrophy are not completely apparent. The fat pad will atrophy as we age normally and in a few it simply atrophies far more quicker. Some people simply appear to get this and others usually do not. It's not at all connected with bodyweight problems. It could occur in a number of arthritis type conditions and athletes a result of the years of pounding on the heel bone could be at a greater risk for this. People that have a higher mid-foot ( arch ) foot (pes cavus) will also get a movement with the fat pad that may give a comparable problem to the atrophy.
Therapy for Fat Pad Atrophy:
The only way to treat fat pad atrophy would be to replace the fat or alternative to the fat. This can be inserted in surgically or even a shock reducing heel pad within the shoes used which has a comparable nature to the atrophied fat pad. Padded shoes may also be used with or without extra padding. Surgically this could be an injectable fillers or an autograft utilizing your own fat cells from other body parts.