Foot pain can greatly reduce mobility and quality of life, particularly when caused by fat pad atrophy. This condition occurs when the natural fat cushioning under the heel or ball of the foot thins or disappears, leading to pain, calluses, and sometimes skin breakdown. A promising treatment gaining attention is fat grafting for foot fat pad atrophy, a procedure that restores cushioning and improves function without relying only on orthotics or temporary measures.
What Is Fat Pad Atrophy?
Fat pad atrophy is the loss of subcutaneous fatty tissue that normally protects the foot’s bones and joints by absorbing shock. Ageing, repeated steroid injections, high-impact activities, and systemic conditions such as diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis can all contribute. Symptoms often include localised pain, especially when barefoot, and are sometimes mistaken for plantar fasciitis (Bcharah et al., 2025).
How Does Fat Grafting Work?
Fat grafting which is also called autologous fat transfer uses fat harvested from the patient’s own body, usually the abdomen or thighs. After purification, the fat is injected into the affected area of the foot in small droplets to improve survival and integration. This minimally invasive procedure, often done under local anaesthesia, aims to restore lost volume and provide lasting cushioning (Bcharah et al., 2025). Such procedures around fat grafting and using techniques of autologous fat transfer have been published by Dr Gordon Slater and are a promising area of further research.(Slater et al, 2025).
Benefits and Comparisons
Clinical studies show fat grafting reduces pain and improves mobility for up to two years after treatment. While orthotics and fillers can provide short-term relief, they do not replace tissue. Alternatives such as silicone implants or allograft adipose matrix (AAM) exist, but fat grafting remains popular for its biocompatibility, safety, and regenerative potential (Bcharah et al., 2025).
Conclusion
Fat grafting presents a promising, biologically compatible option for individuals suffering from foot fat pad atrophy. By harnessing the body’s own tissues, it aims to restore natural cushioning and improve long-term foot health. Dr Gordon Slater has a key interest of research within this field and hopes to continue expanding on the potential of such treatment.
References
- George Bcharah, Sailesh V. Tummala, Collin L. Braithwaite, Phillip J. Karsen, Karan A. Patel,Fat grafting for pedal fat pad atrophy: A narrative review of the literature, The Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery, 2025 ,ISSN 1067-2516, https://doi.org/10.1053/j.jfas.2025.07.008.
- Slater, Gordon & Salleh, A & Bachmid, Zadane & Salleh, R. (2025). Current Concepts Review: Structural Bone and Reconstructive Strategies in the Foot and Including Regenerative Hybrid Alternatives. 6(1). 348-364. 10.37191/Mapsci-2582-385X-6(1)-148. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/387377584_Current_Concepts_Review_Structural_Bone_and_Reconstructive_Strategies_in_the_Foot_and_Including_Regenerative_Hybrid_Alternatives
Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns regarding your health. All surgical or invasive procedures involve potential risks. It is advisable to seek a second opinion from a suitably qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions.’
