Fat Pad Syndrome

Fat Pad syndrome refers to an injury where there is displacement of a portion of the fat pad that protects the heel. The most common complaint is persistent pain and tenderness in the heel, usually a dull ache that feels like a bruise in the middle of the heel. Fat pad syndrome can be aggravated by walking barefoot on hard surfaces like ceramic, tile and concrete.

Main contributing factors

• Running, triathlons and training in general
• Prolonged standing or walking on hard surfaces with inadequate footwear
• Impact injury attributed to a blow to the heel such as landing hard