Condition
Heel Fat Pad Syndrome
Deterioration of the heel’s natural shock-absorbing fat pad.
What It Is
Understanding Heel Fat Pad Syndrome
We do in fact have a built-in pad at the bottom of our heels, and it is composed of fatty tissue, elastic connective tissue, and collagenous tissue that helps with shock absorption. It can wear away and deteriorate with age, excessive impact, repeated cortisone injections, trauma, and obesity.
Unlike Plantar Fasciitis — which can become less painful with walking and loosening up — heel pain stemming from fat pad syndrome can often worsen with cumulative loading, impact, or walking. You guessed it: we are administering Softwave — Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy for this too.
Symptoms
What You May Be Experiencing
- Deep, bruise-like pain in the center of the heel
- Pain that worsens — not improves — with walking and impact
- Tenderness when pressing the middle of the heel pad
- Discomfort on hard surfaces or in thin-soled shoes
- History of repeated cortisone injections to the heel
The Problem
Why Traditional Treatments Often Fall Short
Heel fat pad syndrome is commonly misdiagnosed as plantar fasciitis. Repeated cortisone shots — a common ‘treatment’ — actually accelerate breakdown of the fat pad and make the problem worse over time. Cushioned inserts help symptoms but don’t restore tissue.
Our Approach
How SoftWave® Helps Heel Fat Pad Syndrome
SoftWave® shockwave therapy stimulates regeneration of the connective and elastic tissues that make up the heel fat pad, paired with loading and footwear strategies that protect the area while it heals.
FAQ
Heel Fat Pad Syndrome — Common Questions
How is this different from plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis often improves with movement; heel fat pad syndrome typically worsens with cumulative loading and impact.
Should I keep getting cortisone shots?
No — repeated cortisone injections can accelerate fat pad breakdown. SoftWave is a regenerative alternative that addresses the underlying tissue.
Will padded inserts fix it?
Inserts help reduce symptoms but don’t restore the fat pad. SoftWave addresses the tissue itself for lasting relief.
Plantar Fasciitis
Sharp heel pain — especially with the first steps of the day.
Learn More ➜
Baxter's Neuropathy
Entrapment of the inferior calcaneal nerve under the heel — often mistaken for plantar fasciitis.
Learn More ➜
Achilles Tendinopathy
Pain, degeneration, and inflammation where the Achilles tendon meets the heel.
Learn More ➜
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