There are several reasons why a person may develop HFPS. Essentially, the condition is caused by the thinning or degeneration of the fat pad at the heel of your foot and is typically a result of repeated use. The NHS has also suggested other contributing factors that may play a part in getting heel fat pad syndrome, such as:
- Being overweight – Excess weight increases pressure on the heel with every step, causing the fat pad to wear down more quickly over time.
- Age – As we age, the natural fat padding under the heel tends to thin, reducing its ability to cushion and absorb impact.
- Wearing inappropriate, unsupportive footwear – Footwear lacking proper support and cushioning can cause excessive strain on the tender heel pad, leading to faster degeneration. We recommend wearing shoes with built in arch support and heel support. Check out of trainers with heel support here!
- Spending long periods standing or walking, especially with a sudden increase in these activities – Prolonged standing or walking, particularly without adequate preparation, can put repeated stress on the heel, contributing to the breakdown of the fat pad.
- Diabetes – Diabetes can damage nerves and blood vessels, weakening the fat pad structure and increasing the risk of HFPS.
- Inflammatory conditions (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis) – Inflammatory conditions can weaken the structures around the heel, leading to deterioration of the foot fat pad and causing additional heel pad pain.
- Weakness in the muscles within your feet or legs – Muscle weakness can alter the way weight is distributed across your feet, placing more pressure on the heel and contributing to foot fat pad degeneration.
- Tightness of the muscles in the backs of your legs – Tight calf muscles can change the way you walk, placing additional strain on the heel and leading to quicker breakdown of the foot fat pad.
- Not allowing adequate recovery time between activities – Insufficient rest between high-impact activities can prevent the heel fat pad from recovering, accelerating its wear.
- Prolonged use of oral corticosteroids – Long-term use of corticosteroids – anti-inflammatory medications that mimic natural hormones to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system – can weaken the connective tissues in your body. This can potentially affect the foot fat pad, making it more prone to foot padding degeneration.
