The human feet are a wonder of biomechanical engineering, carrying the load from the entire body as well as assisting motion. Key for this functionality may be the plantar fat pad which is a soft tissue framework found under the heel as well as the ball of the foot. This fat pad acts as a natural shock absorber, supplying cushioning and support throughout each step we take. Nevertheless, as individuals grow older, fat pad atrophy can happen, leading to discomfort. Fat pad atrophy is a degeneration with this plantar fat pad. When people grow older, transformations take place within the body's tissues, such as the plantar fat pad. These kind of changes may result in a decrease in the amount and quality of the fat pad, leading to it to become thinner and much less efficient at shock reducing the feet. This kind of fat pad atrophy in the foot is primarily a result of growing older with the process of getting older itself to be the most significant. As individuals become older, the collagen and elastin fibres within the fat pad break down, resulting in reduced thickness and suppleness. Too much use and recurring force on the feet, such as from long term standing or walking, may accelerate fat pad wear and tear. People who have occupations that necessitate long hours on their feet are more susceptible to this condition. Too much excess weight could worsen fat pad atrophy, since it increases the force on the feet, leading to an increased possibility of wear and tear.
The thinning and degeneration of the plantar fat pad can lead to a variety of signs and symptoms, which generally become more pronounced as the condition continues. Frequent symptoms of fat pad atrophy include pain which is the prevalent characteristic of fat pad atrophy. This pain can be sensed in the heel and the ball of the foot and is usually identified as sharp, burning, or an aching, and it tends to exacerbate with standing pursuits. With the reduced ability of the fat pad's to absorb shock, individuals may experience soreness when walking or standing for extended periods. Pressure points can develop over the bottom of the feet, causing calluses and corns, as the fat pad's decreased thickness helps to make the skin more susceptible to friction along with pressure.
Whilst fat pad atrophy in the feet are a common condition amongst the older people, it is not an irreversible condition. A variety of methods and therapies might help deal with the related pain and discomfort, especially the usage of cushioning insoles. Properly fitting footwear with ample cushioning and also arch support can alleviate some of the stress on the fat pad. A lot more support can come from customized or over-the-counter foot orthotic insoles that can provide added shock absorption as well as support, assisting to spread out weight more evenly across the feet. For individuals with excess bodyweight, weight-loss can relieve some of the force on the foot, decreasing the progress of fat pad atrophy. This is much more of a long-term strategy. In some cases, medical professionals could suggest steroid injection therapy to minimize inflammation and provide short-term relief of pain. In the more serious cases of fat pad atrophy, surgical treatments like fat grafting might be considered to bring back the fat pad's volume and functionality.