Question
I'm 51 years old and have been a cashier for the past 18 years on my feet so the fat pad has disappeared from the bottom of my feet. I'm in constant pain because of this and it even affects my sleeping because of the pain. Is there a cure for this condition? Can I ever get the fat back on my feet? I have more than enough of fat everywhere else so why can't some of it be put on the bottoms of my feet?  A few years ago I was told by a foot doctor that when one loses the fat on the bottoms of their feet that it never comes back. With all of the new technology in the world today, isn't there something that can be done to fix this problem and make the pain go away forever?

Answer
This is a wear and tear condition made worse by increased weight and standing.
Weight loss is the least invasive----non surgical and will help the most
There are some fat pad replacement injections-but these are temporary--possibly only lasting a year--and not the most effective!
Orthotics are your second best bet--they will take the pressure of the balls of your feet.
Also make sure that the pain is due to the loss of fat pad.
The list of other possibilities is too long-but an example is  it could be a form of arthritis or neuritis.
Hope this helps
Dr George Tsatsos
Not medical advise---information purposes only

THANK-YOU FOR THE HIGH RATING!!!!

OK

You are not going to like this----but
a true example--I love to ski--and ski boots are supposed to last 3-5 years. I wear them out in a year. And so it is not unreasonable for an orthotic to wear out in 3 years. The top covers last about one-two years-Think about it-how long does an inside of a shoe last?
The shell should last 3-5 years depending on your weight and activities. Try powdering them and not letting them get wet.
Also the rest of you changes and so does your foot. I know both of us are as good looking as we were several years ago--but our sizes may have changed.
If you are a good patient ask for a small discount in these hard times. We always make our services available.
Good Luck Again
DRGT

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