Walking shouldn’t hurt. When the natural cushioning under your heel or the ball of your foot wears down, every step can feel sharp or unprotected — a condition known as fat pad atrophy.
At New Orleans Podiatry, we focus on restoring comfort through a thoughtful evaluation and advanced treatments, including Leneva Fat Pad Restoration. You’ll work directly with Dr. Edward Lang and enjoy concierge-level access to our team throughout your healing journey..
Thinning of the plantar fat pad or heel pad, which usually acts as a shock absorber
Foot pain, a dull ache, increased sensitivity on hard surfaces, and soreness when walking barefoot
Repetitive stress, improper footwear, wearing high heels, aging, rheumatoid arthritis, or past corticosteroid injections
Supportive footwear, heel cups, custom orthotics, and Leneva Fat Pad Restoration therapy
The heel and forefoot contain specialized fat pads made of fatty tissue, adipose tissue, and connective tissue. These pads cushion the underlying bones and act as a shock absorber during each step. Over time, the fat pad tissue can thin or shift, forcing the heel bone or forefoot bones to bear more weight directly.
The result can be a dull ache, bruised feeling, or sharp pain during weight-bearing activities. Many patients report that their symptoms worsen on hard surface floors, after prolonged standing, or when wearing high-heeled shoes with a narrow toe box.
How We Diagnose and Differentiate
Your visit starts with a detailed medical history, a focused physical exam, and, when needed, imaging to evaluate the plantar fat pad and underlying bones. Many patients arrive with a prior diagnosis of plantar fasciitis. The two conditions can feel similar, but the source of pain is different. We look for pinpoint tenderness under the heel or ball of the foot, thinning of the fat pads, and pain that improves with added cushioning. Identifying the true cause is the first step in a precise treatment plan.
Most patients begin with conservative treatments that protect the foot and spread the load away from sore areas. Small changes matter. Choosing shoes with room throughout the toe box, avoiding pointed shoes, and limiting time on hard surfaces can immediately reduce stress on sensitive areas. We can also discuss healthy weight strategies to reduce the pressure on your feet.
When conservative treatment is not enough, we offer modern options that rebuild padding rather than just masking pain. Advanced treatment options, including Leneva Fat Pad Restoration, are performed in-office using local anesthesia. The appointment is brief, and most patients can walk out in supportive shoes. You will need to avoid thinly cushioned shoes for a short time and gradually return to regular footwear. Many notice early pain relief from improved padding, with continued improvement as the tissue remodels.
Leneva is an injectable adipose tissue allograft designed to support your body’s ability to restore cushioning. Placed in areas of plantar fat pad atrophy or heel fat pad atrophy, it provides a scaffold for your own cells while improving shock absorption and comfort. Procedures are performed in the office with local anesthesia. Most patients return to daily activities quickly with the use of a knee scooter, then ease back into longer walks as directed.
Supportive options include specialized off-loading footwear and custom orthotics to help redistribute pressure and protect the forefoot. These measures can reduce pain and slow further tissue breakdown.
For long-term structural improvement, Fat Pad Restoration Therapy is currently the most effective solution.
Treatments for fat pad atrophy can help with the following conditions:
Discover the many advantages of Fat Pad Atrophy Treatment.
You may be a candidate if you have pinpoint foot pain under the heel or ball of the foot, tenderness on hard surfaces, or soreness that improves with temporary padding. We consider your medical conditions, prior steroid injections, footwear habits, and activity demands. Patients with severe symptoms, significant pad atrophy, or trouble walking despite conservative treatments often benefit from advanced treatments.
Our Fat Pad Augmentation & Restoration Program Goes Beyond a Single Treatment. You’ll receive:
You will be non-weight bearing for 30 days after your Leneva Fat Pad Restoration injection. During this crucial period—while the implanted allograft is developing its collagen framework—we will provide a knee scooter to protect the treated area.
Most patients begin gradual weight-bearing in supportive shoes around 4–6 weeks, with continued improvement over several months as the new tissue integrates.
You’ll receive clear aftercare instructions, and our concierge text access ensures you can reach us with questions at any time during your recovery.
Many patients notice an early reduction in pressure and discomfort as cushioning is restored. Longevity depends on the degree of fat-pad loss, activity level, and individual healing response. Because Leneva integrates with your own tissue and stimulates new fat-pad growth, it is designed to provide durable, long-term improvement..
Dr. Edward Lang has over 30 years of experience treating complex foot problems. As a leader in regenerative and integrative podiatry, he combines advanced procedures with practical prevention strategies. Our concierge-level care means you receive ongoing support, both in the clinic and beyond, so your results are protected for the long term.
Care at New Orleans Podiatry continues long after your appointment. You can text our team seven days a week to ask questions, share photos of your progress, or handle scheduling. We also coordinate prescriptions, follow-ups, and any necessary authorizations so you can focus fully on healing.
Your Next Step Toward Lasting Relief
No. While both can cause heel pain, fat pad atrophy involves thinning of the heel’s cushioning, whereas plantar fasciitis affects the ligament on the bottom of the foot.
Repeated corticosteroid injections in the same area can contribute to pad atrophy. We use such treatments sparingly and discuss all risks with patients.
Most procedures are performed with local anesthesia to keep you comfortable. You may have mild soreness afterward that is manageable with ice or over-the-counter medication.
Minimally invasive options like Leneva Fat Pad Restoration often provide excellent results without surgery.
Wear supportive footwear with proper cushioning, and use heel pads or custom orthotics for long-standing or high-impact activities.
Call Us: (504) 897-3627
Text Us: (504) 897-3627
Mon-Thurs: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Fri: 7:00 AM - 12 PM (phones on until 5 PM, texting is provided after hours until 9pm)
