Flexible cushioning pads, items incorporating such pads, and methods of making and using

A layered cushioning pad comprising a continuous upper layer, a continuous cushioning layer of a polymeric cushioning material, a continuous lower layer, and two or more cushioning regions comprising the polymeric cushioning material separated by grooves having a thickness less than the thickness of the cushioning regions. The cushioning pad may also include a perimeter flange and/or an elongated body and opposing lateral extensions on each side of the elongated body. In one embodiment, the cushioning pad is adapted to contour a joint, wherein a first cushioning region is configured to be positioned over the joint and further cushioning regions are positioned surrounding the first cushioning region to enable radial articulation or wherein the cushioning regions are disposed on the elongated body and lateral extensions to enable articulation of the lateral extensions relative to the elongated body.