06/10/2022
Fat pad atrophy (or fat pad syndrome) is the reduction of the fat pad in the balls of the feet, which causes thinning of the protective cushioning that sits under the bones. More common in older people, it can cause significant pain when walking as the shock absorption from the fatty tissue is reduced.
Caused by age, collapsed long bones lead to increased pressure wearing out the fad pad over time, but the ongoing wearing of high heels & walking barefoot or wearing very thin soles shoes may exacerbate condition. Those with high arches may also suffer more as high arches create more pressure on the ball of the foot; those with rheumatoid arthritis causing clawing of the toes, and those with neuropathy (often caused by diabetes). And, although men and women can suffer equally, footwear choices make women more susceptible to developing pain and callouses on the ball of the foot.
WHAT HELPS?
🦶 Wear heels under an inch high
🦶 Avoid walking barefoot Wearing good supportive footwear , orthotics with adequate shock absorption
🦶 Talk to a foot healthcare professional about the variety of padding / metatarsal supports available. See less
