We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Procedures

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What are Metatarsal Orthotics?

By H.R. Childress
Updated: Mar 03, 2024
Views: 18,431
Share

Metatarsal orthotics are used to support the area near the ball of the foot where the metatarsal bones end. These are the five bones that run from the ankle bones to the ball of the foot. These types of orthotics are often used to ease metatarsalgia, the medical term for foot pain in the forefoot, which is often a symptom of another problem. They are also used by people who need extra support in that area due to conditions like flat feet.

Metatarsalgia is often caused by an inflamed nerve in the ball of the foot, which can be caused by tight or narrow shoes. The repeated stress that running applies to the metatarsal bones can also result in inflamed nerves. Flat feet and fallen arches are other reasons that someone may need the support provided by metatarsal orthotics. These conditions all place extra stress on the area just behind the ends of the metatarsal bones.

A variety of metatarsal orthotics are available, from simple metatarsal pads to full-foot prescription orthotics. The pads can be used in almost any type of shoe, as they are small inserts that usually cover only the ball of the foot. They are designed to provide support just behind the end of the metatarsal bones, to alleviate the pressure in that area. Metatarsal pads are often used to provide support in dress shoes, as they will fit into narrower shoes or be hidden in sandals. They may, however, be used in any type of shoe.

Some over-the-counter orthotics also offer metatarsal support. They are typically characterized by a padded area just behind the end of the metatarsal bones, in the same area where a small metatarsal pad is placed. Full metatarsal orthotics can be used in shoes like boots, athletic shoes, and some casual shoes. Sports orthotics and running orthotics often include metatarsal support.

Custom-made, prescription orthotics are sometimes required for severe metatarsalgia. These are prescribed by a podiatrist who has examined a person's feet and determined that the best remedy for his or her pain is custom orthotics. Custom metatarsal orthotics are designed by the podiatrist to fit and support the specific patient's feet. They are more expensive, but also longer-lasting, than over-the-counter orthotics. A podiatrist can also provide prescription metatarsal pads to be used in shoes that cannot be worn with the full orthotics.

Share
The Health Board is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.thehealthboard.com/what-are-metatarsal-orthotics.htm
Copy this link
The Health Board, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

The Health Board, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.