If you notice frequent or recurring pains deep in the center of your heel—as if you have an invisible bruise—when you stand, walk, or run, you may be experiencing a condition known as heel pad syndrome.
Keep reading as we go over more about heel pad syndrome and the symptoms, causes, and treatments for the condition.
What Are Heel Pads, and What Is Heel Pad Syndrome?
On the soles of your feet, there is a thick layer of tissue consisting of dense pockets of fat enclosed in muscle fibers that are firm yet flexible; this is your heel pad.
Your heel pad performs like a cushion to protect your bones and joints when you engage in activities such as standing, walking, running, or jumping. As you put weight and pressure on your feet, your heel pads also work to absorb shock and prevent strain.
What Causes Heel Pad Syndrome?
Heel pad syndrome can form if the thickness and elasticity of the fatty tissue and muscle fibers of your heel pads face wear and tear.
Common causes of heel pad syndrome include:
- Aging
- Foot structure and gait
- Excess body weight
- Plantar fasciitis
- Repetitive activities
- Hard surfaces
- Inappropriate footwear
- Fat pad atrophy
- Certain health conditions
- Spurs
Your feet can withstand a lot of pressure from the weight of your body while you stand and perform your daily activities, but without proper rest and care, your heel pads can begin to break down.
Symptoms of Heel Pad Syndrome
The main symptom of heel pad syndrome is a sharp pain in the middle of your heel that you notice while you stand to perform your daily activities. When you walk or run, it may feel like the soles of your feet are sprained or bruised.
If you have a mild case of heel pad syndrome, you might find that the pain is not always noticeable. Heel pad pain might only occur while walking without socks or shoes, on a hard surface, or while exercising.
Diagnosis and Treatment
If you believe you may have heel pad syndrome, schedule an appointment with your local podiatrist; they will review your symptoms and medical history before examining your feet. To narrow down the source of your heel pad pain, they may perform an x-ray or ultrasound. Imaging tests measure your heel pad’s thickness and elasticity, usually 1 to 2 centimeters thick.
A sign of low elasticity is a stiff heel pad with inadequate compression when you stand.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for heel pad syndrome, but treatment options can alleviate pain and other symptoms.
Some common ways to manage your symptoms:
- Rest
- Heel cups and orthotics
- Orthopedic footwear
- Medication—over-the-counter or prescription anti-inflammatory or pain-relief medications
- Icing your heel in 15-20 minute intervals
If you believe you may be experiencing symptoms of heel pad syndrome or related conditions, contact to book an appointment with our podiatry experts at our Birmingham, AL location.
