From the Research
Injecting Therapeutic Substances into the Heel Fat Pad
- The process of injecting therapeutic substances into the heel fat pad can be guided by ultrasound, as seen in a case report where ultrasound-guided infiltration with platelet-rich plasma was used as a treatment for heel fat pad syndrome 1.
- The use of injected corticosteroids for treating plantar heel pain in adults has been studied, with evidence suggesting that steroid injection may lead to lower heel pain visual analogue scores in the short-term, although the quality of evidence is low 2.
- Other therapeutic options, such as platelet-rich plasma injections, have been explored, but the evidence for their effectiveness is very low quality 2.
- The technique of injection can vary, with some studies comparing ultrasonography-guided versus palpation-guided injection, although the evidence for these comparisons is also very low quality 2.
- It is essential to consider the potential risks and benefits of injecting therapeutic substances into the heel fat pad, including the risk of serious adverse events, although these appear to be rare 2.
Key Considerations
- The diagnosis of heel fat pad syndrome is typically made by ultrasound study 1.
- Treatment of heel fat pad syndrome is primarily based on conservative measures, with infiltration with platelet-rich plasma proposed as a therapeutic option 1.
- The heel fat pad is a specialized soft tissue structure that provides cushioning for the heel, and lesions of the heel fat pad can be a cause of debilitating heel pain 3.