Course Content
Knee Pathologies
Our senior podiatrist explores common knee pathologies and how to treat them with orthotic therapy.
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Ankle Pathologies
Our senior podiatrist explores common ankle pathologies and how to treat them with orthotic therapy.
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Heel Pathologies
Our senior podiatrist explores common heel pathologies and how to treat them with orthotic therapy.
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Midfoot Pathologies
Our senior podiatrist explores common midfoot pathologies and how to treat them with orthotic therapy.
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Forefoot Pathologies
Our senior podiatrist explores common forefoot pathologies and how to treat them with orthotic therapy.
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Orthotic Therapy Techniques
About Lesson

Forefoot Fat Pad Atrophy

Description

Noted with progression of age, or as a result of some medical conditions (e.g. Rheumatoid arthritis), patients may experience thinning or atrophy of the plantar forefoot fat pad. Patients with fat pad atrophy may present with painful callous, corns or inflammation of the metatarsal heads.

Forefoot Pad Atrophy

 

Keys to effective orthotic management:

Supplementing the cushioning lost through the atrophy process is the important element in managing patients with this condition. If patients are provided a hard device with no additional padding then the likelihood of full improvement is reduced.

Forefoot padding may be imbed within an orthotic device utilising the aperture selections on the orthotic prescription form. The entire forefoot region of a Machined EVA orthosis is removed. This region is then filled with a softer material to offload the painful tissue.