Shockwave applicator pressed against a patient’s heel while the clinician holds the toes

Fat Pad Impingement Treatment in Romsey

Assessment of heel pain arising from the fat pad, and how to take load off it.

Podiatrist assessing a patient's heel and arch
Background

What Is Fat Pad Impingement?

The heel fat pad is a specialised structure designed to absorb impact and protect the heel bone during walking and running. When the fat pad becomes compressed, irritated or loses some of its shock-absorbing capacity, pain can develop beneath the heel. This condition is often mistaken for plantar fasciitis due to the similarity of symptoms.

Symptoms of Fat Pad Impingement

Common symptoms include:

  • Pain directly beneath the heel
  • Pain when walking on hard surfaces
  • Discomfort during prolonged standing
  • Tenderness under the centre of the heel
  • Reduced tolerance for impact activities
  • Pain when barefoot

Unlike plantar fasciitis, symptoms are often located centrally beneath the heel rather than toward the inside edge.

What Causes Fat Pad Impingement?

Contributing factors may include:

  • Repetitive impact loading
  • Age-related changes
  • Reduced shock absorption
  • Foot biomechanics
  • Previous heel injuries
  • Prolonged standing

Assessment and Diagnosis

Assessment may include:

  • Clinical examination
  • Heel pain assessment
  • Gait analysis
  • Footwear evaluation
  • Loading assessment

Treatment Options

Orthotic Therapy

Shock-absorbing orthoses may help reduce stress beneath the heel.

Footwear Advice

Appropriate footwear can improve cushioning and comfort.

Gait Analysis

Assessment helps identify movement patterns contributing to excessive heel loading.

Rehabilitation

Exercises may help improve lower limb function and reduce repetitive stress.

Shockwave therapy applied to the sole of a patient's heel
Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is fat pad impingement the same as plantar fasciitis?

No. Although both cause heel pain, they affect different structures and often require different management approaches.

Can orthotics help?

Many patients benefit from improved cushioning and pressure redistribution.

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