Fat Pad Augmentation Procedure

Over the years scientists have tried to come up with a way to replace the fat pads in the foot - namely Fat Pad Augmentation.

Table of Contents

Introduction

When the fat pads in feet begin to wear down due to age, pressure, or trauma, patients can experience pain in the heel or ball of their foot. Fat pad augmentation can fill in the gaps where the fat used to be.

What Are Fat Pads?

The fat pads in our feet are what provides cushion to and protection for our bones, tendons, tissues, and neurovascular structures. The plantar fat pad is a combination of ligaments and fat. As our feet are weightbearing in nature, these fat pads can become condensed and diminish over time or with trauma. This can lead to pain in the heel or ball of the foot, as the bones are connecting more closely to the ground.

Supporting Your Plantar Fat Pads

Being proactive before you experience any pain would be the best way to support your plantar fat pads. Conservative treatments include wearing good quality shoes and having custom orthotics. The combination of good shoes and orthotics help support your bones, tendons, and structure, similar to how your plantar fat pads do.

Custom orthotics can be prescribed by one of our board-certified podiatrists without any need for surgery. Additionally, most insurances cover the cost of orthotics, so it’s a win for your feet and your wallet. You can call our office to schedule an appointment to receive custom orthotics.

While not as effective, heavily cushioned socks and heel cups can also help alleviate discomfort.

What Is Fat Pad Augmentation?

Fat pad augmentation is when we fill in the gap where your fat pad has diminished. There are two different ways to do fat pad augmentation. To cushion the area, a board-certified podiatrist will either use…

  • Your own body fat through liposuction from an area of fat excess (such as the belly or thighs), or
  • Synthetic grafts to cushion the area.

During your appointment, our board-certified podiatrist will discuss which option is best for your situation.

Who needs Fat Pad Augmentation?

For anyone who has tried to alleviate the pain in their feet through conservative treatments from their diminished fat pads (called plantar fat pad atrophy) to no avail, fat pad augmentation might be the next step. Due to the fact that age plays a role in diminishing fat pads, older patients are more likely to need fat pad augmentation than younger patients.

Younger patients who need fat pad augmentation usually have suffered previous trauma: surgical incisions, fractures, broken bones, or chronic metatarsal plantar flexion. Due to trauma, they have accelerated the shrinking of their fat pads.

Without augmentation, the fat pad in the foot will continue to deteriorate and bone-to-skin contact will increase, resulting in more severe pain. In addition to discomfort, reduced fat pads can cause corns, calluses, blisters, or ulcerations.

Fat pad augmentation will reinstall the cushion and protection for the bones and tissues. It will also alleviate discomfort.

Don’t Just Take Our Word For It – Hear from a Patient!

“I am writing to you to sincerely thank you for ‘installing the fat pad’ in my big toe. I no longer experience blisters, red spots, or open sores as I did before. Additionally, I no longer feel like I’m off balance when I walk[,] and my shoes fit better. So again, thank you for the ‘fat pad’!!!!!” – N.G.

If you’re in pain, call our office today to get an appointment with one of our board-certified podiatrists! You shouldn’t continue on in discomfort and pain. We can help. Your satisfaction and health are our number one goal, and we look forward to serving you.

Fat Pad Augmentation - FAQs

Yes, the process is called fat pad augmentation. A board-certified podiatrist can restore your plantar foot pads through an injectable filler – either with your own body’s excess fat tissue or through synthetic grafts.
This varies greatly depending on each patient and their lifestyle. On average, fat pad restoration can last from one to two years
Proper footwear with ample cushioning and support is vital. We also recommend having custom orthotics made to your feet’s exact needs. Physical therapy can also help to strengthen your foot muscles and improve your flexibility.