Question
Is fat pad atrophy caused with repeated cortisone injections to the same spot in the foot? Or can it happen when the shots are near each other but aren't the same spot?

Randy

Answer
Hi Randy,

Fat pad atrophy of the foot can occur with injections to the same general area.  So if you get injections in several spaces between the metatarsal bones, the cortisone actually spreads across the fat pad to some degree and can have a cumulative effect.  There really is no barrier to stop the spread.  

Some people naturally have a thin fat pad and some lose fat padding with age.

Generally I would avoid many injections in the same general area.  There is a rule of not giving more than 3 injections in a 6 month to one year period in one area.  However, this rule really depends on the amount and type of cortisone being used.  It also really depends on the area and condition.

I can tell you that some Drs will not hesitate to inject multiple areas that are painful on a weekly basis.  Be careful of this practice.

Hope that helps.
 
Sincerely,

Marc Katz, DPM
Tampa, FL
Advanced Podiatry
www.thetampapodiatrist.com
www.tampacryosurgery.com


DISCLAIMER:
This information is offered as free advice and as general information. It may not be applicable to the specific questioner and his/her problem.  It is not based on actual knowledge of the questioner or his/her medical history and it cannot and should not be relied upon as definitive medical opinion or advice.  Reliable medical opinion and advice can only be obtained through hands-on physical contact and exam of the patient to establish an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.  No doctor/patient relationship is created or established here and may not be inferred through answers on this site.  The questioner and other readers must consult his/her own doctor before proceeding or implementing any suggestions contained within this document and answers on this site.  The questioner is only to act upon his/her own doctor抯 orders and recommendations. By reading this posting which follows, the reader fully understands and confirms that he/she holds harmless this writer. If this is not fully agreeable to you, the reader, and/or you have not attained the age of 18 years, you hereby are advised to read no further.