.png)
If it feels like you're walking on a pebble, fat pad atrophy may be to blame. DD Podiatry offers Liposana & Leneva fat pad graft injections at our Bethesda, MD and McLean, VA offices — restoring natural cushioning with no surgery and lasting relief.
The fat pads in your feet act like natural shock absorbers, protecting bones, joints, and soft tissue from daily impact. As they thin or break down, walking, standing, or exercising can feel like stepping directly on bone.
Patients often describe fat pad atrophy as walking on pebbles, or a burning and tingling sensation under the ball of the foot. Pain typically worsens with activity and eases with rest.
Natural aging and tissue breakdown, repetitive impact from running or prolonged standing, foot structure (high arches or flat feet), prior foot injury or surgery, and conditions like diabetes or inflammatory arthritis can all contribute.
Burning, aching, or sharp pain in the heel or ball of the foot; thinning or visible loss of cushioning; increased calluses or skin irritation in pressure areas.
Padding and inserts can offer temporary relief, but they don't restore lost tissue. Regenerative medicine therapies like Liposana and Leneva address the underlying cause of the pain.
Fat pad graft injections are minimally invasive and performed in-office under local anesthesia — no incisions, no stitches, no lengthy recovery.
Rather than masking symptoms, these grafts act as a scaffold that encourages your body to grow its own new fat cells at the injection site.
DD Podiatry offers two allograft fat pad options, tailored to your condition and goals
An injectable fat allograft made from donated human adipose tissue. Liposana is strategically injected into areas where the protective padding has thinned, providing immediate cushioning while stimulating your body to grow new fat cells over time.
An FDA-cleared allograft adipose matrix that acts as a scaffold once injected. Your body gradually replaces the matrix with its own fat and blood vessels, regenerating natural cushioning under the heel or ball of the foot.
Every foot is different. During your consultation, we'll evaluate your fat pad loss, pain pattern, and goals to recommend the graft — and any complementary care, like custom orthotics — best suited to you.
Patients across Bethesda, McLean, and surrounding communities trust DD Podiatry's fat pad graft injections for these conditions
Restores lost cushioning under the heel or ball of the foot where natural padding has thinned with age or overuse.
Relieves pressure and pain across the ball of the foot caused by thinning of the protective fat layer over the metatarsal heads.
Reduces the friction and pressure points that drive recurring, painful calluses in areas of lost cushioning.
Adds protective volume in high-pressure areas, helping prevent and manage skin breakdown from repeated impact.
Targets thinning of the heel's fat pad, a common source of deep, bruise-like heel pain with standing or walking.
Addresses long-standing forefoot discomfort that hasn't responded to inserts, padding, or other conservative care.
A simple, in-office process from first visit to lasting cushioning
Your board-certified podiatrist examines your feet, reviews your history, and confirms that fat pad atrophy — not another condition — is the source of your pain.
We recommend Liposana, Leneva, or a combination approach based on the location and severity of your fat pad loss.
The graft is injected directly into the affected area under local anesthesia. The procedure is minimally invasive with no incisions or stitches.
Many patients feel more comfortable walking within days. Over time, your body replaces the graft with its own fat tissue for lasting cushioning.
A natural, targeted solution for patients who want lasting relief without surgery
Restores lost cushioning instead of masking symptoms with pads or medication.
Made from donated human adipose tissue, working with your body to regrow its own fat cells.
Many patients feel more comfortable walking within days of the procedure.
Results can last years — without relying on daily devices or long-term medications.
A minimally invasive, in-office injection — no incisions, no stitches, no lengthy downtime.
Performed by experienced podiatric specialists who tailor treatment to your specific foot anatomy.
"Great experience. The doctor did what TWO other doctors could not do. Foot pain and swelling for three months and after just ONE visit he was able to diagnose / treat condition and cure it."
— Jason, Google ReviewTwo convenient locations serving Montgomery County, MD and Northern Virginia with expert podiatric care
📍 Address: 6316 Democracy Blvd, Bethesda, MD 20817
📞 Phone: (301) 363-2676
🕒 Hours:
Mon – Thu: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Fri: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Serving Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Rockville, Gaithersburg, and surrounding Montgomery County areas.
📍 Address: 6849 Old Dominion Drive Ste 220, McLean, VA 22101
📞 Phone: (301) 363-2676
🕒 Hours:
Mon – Thu: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Fri: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Conveniently located in McLean serving Northern Virginia, Arlington, Alexandria, Falls Church, and Fairfax County communities.
Everything you need to know about Liposana & Leneva fat pad injections
Liposana is an injectable fat allograft made from donated human adipose (fat) tissue. When injected into the foot, it provides cushioning and stimulates your body to grow new fat cells, restoring lost padding and reducing painful pressure points.
Leneva is an FDA-cleared allograft adipose matrix, also derived from donated human fat tissue. Like Liposana, it acts as a scaffold that encourages your body to regenerate its own fat cells at the injection site. We'll recommend the graft best suited to your condition during your consultation.
They're especially effective for fat pad atrophy under the heel or ball of the foot. They can also help with painful calluses, pressure sores, and other areas of chronic foot pain caused by loss of soft tissue padding.
Once injected, the graft acts as a scaffold for your body's own cells. Over time, your body replaces the allograft with its own fat tissue, creating natural, long-lasting cushioning that reduces pain and pressure.
No. Liposana and Leneva are minimally invasive, in-office injections. There are no incisions or stitches, and patients typically return to normal daily activity shortly after the procedure.
Unlike temporary fillers or padding, these grafts stimulate the growth of your own fat cells. This means results can last years, offering longer-term relief than traditional cushioning inserts or gel pads.
You'll be able to walk right away, but you may be asked to limit high-impact activity for a short period so the graft can integrate. Most patients resume normal routines immediately, with full activity (like running or sports) in a few weeks.
Coverage varies by plan and diagnosis. Our team will help verify your benefits and discuss cost with you before your procedure so there are no surprises.
If your foot pain is due to fat pad loss, Liposana or Leneva may be the best next step. Book an appointment with our podiatrists today.
"Liposana was a game changer. I thought that I would have to live with pain on the bottom of my foot. Now after the injection, I'm walking better than ever."
- Henry P.
Bethesda, MD
6316 Democracy Blvd
Bethesda, Maryland 20817
(301) 363-2676
McLean, VA
6849 Old Dominion Drive Ste 220
McLean, VA 22101
(301) 363-2676
Monday - Thursday:
9:00am - 5:00pm
Friday:
9:00am - 1:00pm
.png)
.png)
.png)