(High heeled/Pointy Toed shoes are the prime culprits). Calluses or pressure sensitivity may develop under the joints. Metatarsalgia can also be caused by disease (arthritis), trauma (sports, car accidents, repeated stress), hard surfaces (cement or tile floors) and specific footwear (rigid soled work boots). The problem will often become progressively worse with the wearing of inappropriate footwear.

For Moderate to Severe cases a full-length custom-molded foot orthoses is often prescribed using a computerized system for fabricating prescription foot orthotics. This type of orthoses is designed to provide proper foot alignment, as well as cushioning to the painful damaged area, which can help to alleviate stress to the metatarsal joints and relieve pain. Indentations can also be made in the cushioned orthotic material under the more sensitive metatarsal joints, to accommodate a specific painful area.

For Severe cases, where the metatarsal joints are badly damaged, immobile or hyper-sensitive (as in some types of diseases), the foot needs help from a custom orthoses using the computerized system for fabricating prescription foot orthotics. Orthoses and footwear combinations can be designed so that the painful joints no longer have to bend as much, or bear as much stress, which provides tremendous relief to the front of the foot. The same pain reducing features can be incorporated into prescription fabricated Birkenstock Sandals, which can be very helpful in maintaining walking and standing comfort around the home and in the warm summer months. If walking and standing comfort can be greatly increased, more activity is possible, which in turn encourages a healthier lifestyle.

Your Podiatrist can recommend the most effective combination of orthoses and footgear to meet your needs.