Why are older people more prone to heel pain?
Fat pad atrophy makes older adults more susceptible to heel pain
There are many causes of heel pain. One of the more overlooked causative factors is fat pad atrophy, which affects 20% of people over the age of 40.
Heel fat pad atrophy is the gradual loss of the fat pad in the heel of the foot. Most commonly, it is natural wear and tear that comes with ageing that results in thinning out of the heel fat pad. This makes older adults much more susceptible to plantar heel pain.
Other causes of heel fat pad atrophy are prolonged standing, poor footwear, obesity and high impact activity.
What are the symptoms of heel fat pad atrophy?
Symptoms of heel fat pad atrophy include:
- Heel pain that becomes worse after walking on a hard, flat surface.
- Pain after spending a long time standing and often relieved with sitting.
- Pain that feels like a dull ache/bruise in the centre of the heel.
- Pain that feels deep and often on the bone (calcaneus).
Diagnosing heel pat pad atrophy
Our Melbourne podiatrists can easily assess and diagnose fat pad atrophy clinically. A thorough history taking will help and they may ask questions about your pain, including:
- What type of pain?
- When does the pain occur?
- What brings the pain on?
- When was the pain first noticed?
- Does the pain remain at rest?
Following this, a physical examination of the foot and palpating around the heel will also assist in diagnosis. Finally, an observation of your feet and your current footwear during a biomechanical assessment will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the appropriate treatment modality for this issue.
How can a podiatrist treat heel fat pad atrophy?
The aim of treating heel fat pad atrophy is to reduce the forces on the heel pad, thereby reducing pain and inflammation, as unfortunately there is no remedy for replacing the fat pad. It is important that you see one of our podiatrist at our Melbourne clinic to get an accurate diagnosis of your heel pain.
Our Melbourne podiatrists may recommend that following treatments for heel fat pad atrophy:
• Rest
• NSAIDs
• Ice in the initial stages
• Taping
• Correct fitting footwear
• Heel pads, cups or orthoses
• Stretching and strengthening of surrounding structures
If you think that you may have heel pad atrophy or are starting to feel heel pain then make an appointment to see our skilled Melbourne podiatrists today!
Do you suffer from heel pad atrophy?
At our Melbourne foot clinic our podiatrists are experts in causes of plantar heel pain including heel fat pad atrophy.
So if you suffer from heel pain and you haven’t recently had your feet assessed, book an appointment with one of our friendly podiatrists today!