🦶 Corticosteroid Injection Fat Pad Atrophy Risk Simulator

The First Corticosteroid Shot Into the Heel

A single injection targets painful plantar tissue directly.

• ~1 mL: Typical dose (placeholder steroid volume)
• 24–72 hr: Onset of relief (placeholder timeframe)
• 100%: Fat pad at baseline (placeholder thickness)
• Low: Rupture risk (placeholder starting risk)

Why the injection is given

Placeholder: steroid reduces local inflammation and pain quickly.

Temporary Relief Masks the Underlying Problem

Pain fades but the tissue damage mechanism is not addressed.

• Weeks: Relief duration (placeholder window)
• Increases: Patient activity (placeholder behavior)
• Minimal: Fat pad change (placeholder early stage)
• Common: Recurrence (placeholder outcome)

Why relief is short-lived

Placeholder: steroids treat symptoms, not the structural cause.

Injections Accumulate Over Time

Each repeat shot compounds tissue exposure and risk.

• 0–6: Injections tracked (placeholder slider range)
• Yes: Interval shrinks (placeholder trend)
• Rising: Cumulative dose (placeholder trend)
• Limit shots: Guideline caution (placeholder note)

Why repetition matters

Placeholder: repeated steroid exposure weakens collagen and fat tissue.

The Heel Fat Pad Progressively Thins

Cushioning tissue loses volume with each injection cycle.

• Up to ~70%: Fat pad loss (placeholder at max injections)
• Reduced: Shock absorption (placeholder effect)
• Changes: Heel pain pattern (placeholder symptom shift)
• Limited: Reversibility (placeholder note)

Why atrophy occurs

Placeholder: steroids suppress fibroblast and adipocyte turnover locally.

Plantar Fascia Rupture Becomes a Real Threat

Thin cushioning plus weakened fascia raises tear risk sharply.

• High: Rupture risk (placeholder at max exposure)
• Compromised: Fascia integrity (placeholder status)
• Months: Recovery time (placeholder estimate)
• Limit injections: Prevention (placeholder guidance)

Why rupture risk climbs

Placeholder: weakened fascia fails under normal load without cushioning.