How is fat pad atrophy treated currently?

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Extrinsic Padding

Pressure offloading is an effective way to treat fat pad atrophy. PopSole, a novel device designed by Drs. Gusenoff, selectively offloads pinpoint areas of foot pain or post-surgical treatment areas. While over-the-counter options like Dr. Scholl’s double pillow cushion inserts or Spenco insoles can provide some relief, they often fall short. Many patients with fat pad atrophy also have hammer toe or bunion deformities, making it difficult to fit extra padding in their shoes. This can lead to blisters or lesions from increased shoe pressure. Additionally, high heels, which many women continue to wear, are not compatible with extra padding. PopSole addresses these issues by offering targeted relief without the bulk.
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Check out https://PopSole.com to learn about our phsyician designed comfort insole!
Foot Fat Grafting

Fat transfer is an innovative treatment for fat pad atrophy, a condition where the cushioning in your feet deteriorates, causing pain and discomfort. This procedure, pioneered by Drs. Jeffrey and Beth Gusenoff, combines the expertise of plastic surgery and podiatry. By using a patient’s own fat cells, typically harvested from the abdomen or thighs, and injecting them into the affected areas of the foot, this treatment restores lost cushioning, reduces pain, and improves overall foot function. The unique collaboration between plastic surgery and podiatry ensures comprehensive care and optimal outcomes for patients.
Other Fillers

Alternative fillers like hyaluronic acid or adipose allograft can be used to treat plantar fasciitis, offering a solution when a patient’s own fat isn’t available or when a quicker recovery is desired. These treatments, available through Drs. Jeffrey and Beth Gusenoff, provide cushioning and pain relief by injecting these materials into the affected areas. While these options can be effective, it’s important to note that long-term data on their efficacy is limited. Nonetheless, they present a viable alternative for those seeking immediate relief from fat pad atrophy.

How is chronic plantar fasciitis currently treated?
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Perforating Fat Injections for Chronic Plantar Fasciitis

Chronic plantar fasciitis can be debilitating, causing persistent heel pain that impacts daily activities. A novel treatment option, perforating fat injections, offers hope. This procedure, validated by Drs. Jeffrey and Beth Gusenoff through a 1-year crossover randomized clinical trial, requires only a small amount of fat to be effective. Unlike other treatments that involve cutting or making holes in the plantar fascia, which can lead to scarring or foot destabilization, perforating fat injections use the patient’s own fat to provide cushioning and pain relief, promoting a more natural and stable recovery.

Can you have both plantar fasciitis and fat pad atrophy?
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Yes! ​Some people suffer from both plantar fasciitis and heel fat pad atrophy, often due to steroid injections or wear and tear. Fat transfer can effectively treat both conditions by restoring cushioning and reducing pain. This innovative approach has been validated through randomized, crossover clinical trials by Drs. Jeffrey and Beth Gusenoff, helping patients from around the world find relief and improve their quality of life.


How can I get help?
Drs. Jeffrey and Beth Gusenoff frequently utilize fat transfer for their treatments, often performing the procedure under local anesthesia in their office. This minimally invasive process requires no sutures. To ensure the highest quality fat for transfer, the fat is carefully processed to remove impurities and concentrate the viable fat cells. As fat is a transplant, some off-loading is necessary afterward to ensure the success of the graft, allowing the transplanted fat cells to integrate and provide optimal cushioning and pain relief.

Learn more about our treatment for chronic plantar fasciitis in our podcast! inside.upmc.com/plantar-fasciitis-treatment/

We have now demonstrated success in fat grafting to the forefoot and heel. Our 1-year clinical data has been published in both Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery and the Aesthetic Surgery Journal!

Call today for a consultation: 412-641-3960