Most people don't give much thought to the health of their heels until something seems wrong. At this point, a heel issue can be difficult to ignore, which is why it's important to make an appointment to visit your podiatrist. One heel issue that some people can develop is called fat pad syndrome, and it relates to a deterioration of the pad below your heel bone. Many different things can cause fat pad syndrome, but seeing a podiatrist can be the first step toward getting relief for this condition. Here are some signs that you could have fat pad syndrome in one of your heels.
Intense Pain
The easiest way that you'll be able to tell that you likely have heel fat pad syndrome is the feeling of intense pain in your heel. While it's possible to get this condition in both heels at the same time, many people experience fat pad syndrome in just one heel. The pain can be so intense that you try to avoid standing and walking, which can be disruptive to both your job and your various pastimes. The pain will typically be worse when you're on your feet but may be apparent even when you're lying down. If you carry a heavy object such as a piece of luggage, you may experience more pain because of the extra pressure on the heel.
Tingling Feeling
Although pain is the most overt symptom of fat pad syndrome, you may experience other feelings that are unpleasant. Some people deal with a tingling feeling in the affected heel. This can occur because as the fat pad breaks down, there can be more pressure on the nerves in this area. Tingling in your foot can not only feel unpleasant, but you may sometimes feel a lack of balance when you put weight on this part of your foot.
Visible Swelling
A case of fat pad syndrome in your heel can also cause visible swelling. The swelling might not be apparent at all times, but it can be noticeable after periods in which you've been on your feet a lot—for example, taking a walk, standing during your job, or running errands. For this reason, patients often notice swelling at the end of the day. If you've seen signs that suggest you could have heel fat pad syndrome, make an appointment with a local podiatrist to learn more about this foot condition and discuss your options for treatment.
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