Metatarsalgia

Metatarsalgia is a broad term to define a condition with acute pain in the ball of the foot region (also known as the forefoot). It can be caused by ill-fitted or broken down footwear, prolonged standing on hard floors, Morton's neuroma, arthritis, and aging (due to loss of fat pad). Complaints of burning or cramping pain in the metatarsal heads are common with plantar calluses sometimes being present. During the propulsion phase of gait (toe off) we exert 3.5 times our body weight as pressure on our feet. Wearing shoes that have broken down no longer offer the shock absorption needed to protect our feet. It is highly recommended to replace shoes every 6 months. 

Pedorthic applications include:

• Properly fitted shoes with shock absorbing soles.
• Excavations under the affected metatarsal heads
• Metatarsal pads
• Full length spring steel shanks
• Toe crests
• Accommodative orthotics