Lesions of the heel fat pad

The heel fat pad (HFP) is a specialized soft tissue structure formed of adipose tissue that overlies the inferior and posterior aspect of the calcaneus and provides the cushioning effect of the heel. Lesions of the HFP are rare and can be a cause of debilitating heel pain that may often pose a challenge to clinicians. This study provides a series of lesions identified within the HFP.

A retrospective review of heel pad lesions over a 12 year period was conducted at our tertiary orthopaedic oncology centre. All lesions of the heel fat pad were included in the study. Plantar fasciitis was excluded.

There were 17 heel pad lesions identified, of which the majority (n = 15) were benign.

We highlight a wide spectrum of pathologies that can occur in the HFP. Although rare, clinicians should be aware of these lesions, to initiate appropriate management.