Fat Pad Syndrome

The fat pads on your feet act as a shock absorber for your heel bone. When it's compromised, everyday activities like walking, standing, or running can become painful

What is Fat Pad Syndrome?

Fat Pad Syndrome, also known as heel fat pad atrophy or contusion, occurs when the natural cushioning under your heel becomes thinner or injured.

Think of the fat pad under your heel like the cushion in a running shoe or a foam mat you stand on in the kitchen.

When it's thick and supportive, it absorbs shock and protects your heel bone every time your foot hits the ground. But over time—just like an old cushion—it can wear down, flatten, or shift out of place. When that happens, there’s not enough padding to protect your heel, so walking on hard surfaces starts to feel like stepping on concrete with no shoes on.

That’s fat pad syndrome: your heel has lost its natural padding, and your bones are taking the brunt of the impact. When it's compromised, everyday activities like walking, standing, or running can become painful and uncomfortable.

Comparison of normal fat pad and foot with fat pad syndrome

What Causes Fat Pad Syndrome?

Fat pad syndrome is often caused by repetitive impact or degeneration of the fat pad. Common causes include:

  • Walking or running on hard surfaces

  • Age-related thinning of the fat pad

  • Obesity or increased body weight

  • Poorly cushioned footwear

  • Past heel injuries

  • Excessive standing or walking at work

Unlike plantar fasciitis or heel spurs, which affect the connective tissue or bone, fat pad syndrome specifically involves the soft tissue cushioning under the heel.

Common Symptoms

Symptoms usually present as:

  • Deep, aching heel pain, especially when standing or walking barefoot

  • Pain in the centre of the heel, rather than the sides or arch

  • Pain that worsens on hard floors or tiles

  • Tenderness on direct pressure to the heel

If your pain is sharp or focused in the arch or inside of the heel, it could be related to plantar fasciitis or heel spurs, which we also treat.

How We Treat Fat Pad Syndrome at Stride Footcare

At Stride Footcare, we take a tailored approach to heel pain treatment. Your fat pad syndrome treatment may include:

  • Custom foot orthotics designed to cushion and redistribute pressure and add prescription cushioning

  • Heel cups or padding to support the fat pad during walking

  • Footwear assessment and recommendations

  • Activity modification advice to reduce impact stress

  • Taping techniques to reduce strain on the heel

  • Lifestyle tips to manage contributing factors such as weight or standing time

Our focus is always on long-term comfort and prevention of recurrence.

Book an Appointment for Heel Pain Relief

You don’t need to live with heel pain. If you suspect fat pad syndrome, our podiatry team can help you get the right diagnosis and relief plan.

Book Now