Metatarsalgia is a condition where the heads of the metatarsal bones are inflamed. The result of this condition is pain in the ball of the foot.
The pain is not permanent but is one that podiatrists have known for years could easily be alleviated by the right pair of orthotics or insoles.
There are two ways you can approach the pain of metatarsalgia:
1. You could use a metatarsal pad.
2. You could use a full-length insole or orthotic designed with a metatarsal pad.
The reason these insoles help relieve metatarsalgia pain is that they are designed to help cater to the anatomy of the foot. The metatarsal arch is the arch found in the ball of the foot. It’s only when the metatarsal bones – the toe bones – have a collapsed arch that the pain shows up and the condition of metatarsalgia occurs.
Here are three metatarsal pads that are found to be effective for metatarsalgia:
1. Powerstep Metatarsal Cushion Pads – Made of poron® and are important for the redistribution of weight, important for cases of metatarsalgia. If your weight is distributed evenly, then no specific area of the ball of the foot will have higher pressure points and thus pain. These cushions for the ball of the foot are created for the left and the right feet.
2. Spenco® Gel Ball of Foot Cushions – Differs from many others in that it has a slip-resistant design. This one is recommended by the American Podiatric Medical Association and comes with a one-year unconditional guarantee.
3. Spenco RX Ball of Foot Cushions – These metatarsalgia pads are anatomically designed to alleviate the conditions. They’re about ¼ inch thick to absorb the impact and shock. These are recommended by podiatrists.
Metatarsalgia insoles also include metatarsal pads in their design. Here are a few of the top metatarsalgia insoles available:
1. New Balance Pressure Relief Insoles with Metatarsal Support IPR 3030 – When metatarsalgia insoles are made with plastazote, it’s an advantage because it will mold to the shape of your feet. The Plastazote is heat moldable. These metatsalgia insoles do everything they can for metatarsalgia. They have extra support for the ball of the foot with the result of pain relief. These metatarsalgia insoles also are helpful for conditions such as plantar fasciitis and Morton’s neuroma.
2. Pedag Viva Orthotic Support Insoles – Have a solid orthopedic design that includes the heel support, metatarsal pad, and arch support. With the metatarsal support, you can expect some pain relief from metatarsalgia. That’s one of the reasons why these metatarsalgia insoles have the seal of approval from the American Podiatric Medical Association.
3. Pedag Comfort Leather Insoles – Specifically created for a flattened metatarsal arch that leads to metatarsalgia, splayfoot, Morton’s neuroma and ball of foot pain. These are made from hypoallergenic latex, vegetable-tanned leather, and extra soft heel cushions. The Pedag metatarsalgia insoles also use water-based adhesives.
You have lots of options for metatarsalgia insoles. Choose one today and start feeling the relief they offer.