Best Insoles For Metatarsalgia
Updated March 27, 2023.
Metatarsalgia refers to pain and inflammation in the balls of the feet. This can affect the metatarsals, which are the bones that join the ankle bones to the toes. This pain is usually a burning or aching sensation, or even a tingling in the toes, and can impact quality of life due to limited range of motion (ROM), joint swelling, and bone bruising.
What Causes Metatarsalgia?
Metatarsalgia can develop overtime and is typically a result of higher pressure on the ball of the foot. Thus, some common causes that can contribute to metatarsalgia are:
- Repeated practice of high-impact sports, like running
- Pre-existing joint or foot conditions, like arthritis
- Continued use of ill-fitting shoes, like high heels
- Obesity or excess bodily weight
Other high-risk people include elderly people, those with unusual bone structures in their feet, and people who have sustained traumatic injuries, like a broken bone, or repeated injuries to the metatarsal area.
But there are a number of treatments available. Some self-help options include changing your footwear, applying an ice pack to the area, or using pads or insoles in your shoes. If the pain doesn't improve, you should seek professional medical care.
» Learn more about metatarsalgia symptoms, causes, treatments
Relieving Metatarsalgia Pain With Insoles
If you have metatarsalgia, it's vital that you give your feet the best comfort and relief you can because no one should have to live with chronic pain. A good insole can help with this because it can offer support and stability to the forefoot area. It can also help lessen pain by accommodating your foot shape where ill-fitting footwear may not have done so.
The best custom help for metatarsalgia
Buy NowIdeal for
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Metatarsalgia
FSA & HSA Eligible
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Yes
Shipping & Returns
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No Charge
We recommend Metatarsalgia Custom Orthotics, designed specifically for your lifestyle needs. It can help reduce the damaging causes that could be exacerbating the pain and provide you with a solution to continue your everyday work or sport activities comfortably.
Pros
- Custom-made
- Durable materials
- Addresses foot pain directly
- 180-day money-back guarantee
- FSA and HSA eligible
- Free shipping and returns
Cons
- Short waiting period before receiving orthotics
How Insoles for Metatarsalgia Work
Good insoles can help relieve metatarsalgia pain because of the orthotic materials used. It can also offer support to alleviate pressure on your forefoot, as well as help cushion your foot based on its shape when custom-made. By providing proper foot support, insoles are a great option for pain and inflammation relief to help with your metatarsalgia.
» Find out more about metatarsalgia treatment, how to treat it and how long it takes
Choosing the Right Shoe for Metatarsalgia
When looking for the best shoe for you, it's important to choose one that fits all your needs. And when you have metatarsalgia, it's vital to choose a shoe that can help alleviate your pain.
Here are some aspects to consider when selecting the right shoe for you:
Proper Fit
When a shoe doesn't fit, it can add extra pressure, which can increase rather than relieve pain. The right fit can benefit you by providing cushioned support that allows you to continue your activities, like sport, with comfort. An example of a useful tool to help with shoe fit is metatarsal pads, particularly dome-shaped pads, which are most effective in reducing pressure on runners' feet.
Great Arch Support
Shoes with cushioned insoles that contour to the arch of your foot can provide improved arch support. Great arch support can help with posture and balance, which could improve your overall productivity for day-to-day activities by helping reduce pain. With metatarsalgia specifically, having improved posture and balance can improve your gait, which could help alleviate pressure on your forefoot.
Style
The style of shoe you wear can impact your foot pain. For example, more narrow shoes can cause discomfort and even excessive pain if worn repeatedly. So, choosing shoes that are comfortable and cater to your needs is essential. For those with metatarsalgia, accommodative insoles may help redistribute pressure under the foot, which can alleviate some pain.
Custom Insoles
Because everyone has different needs, and insoles are not a one-size-fits-all solution, customizing them is a good solution. Custom insoles can provide a long-term fit that is designed specifically based on the imprint of your soles. So, for metatarsalgia, custom insoles that provide padding and support for your forefoot will help with pain relief and minimize pressure. It can also give you the comfort and support to continue activities you may enjoy, like running.
» Need extra pain relief? Check out these exercises and stretches for metatarsalgia
Can Insoles Relieve Pain Caused by Metatarsalgia?
With repeated pressure on the metatarsals, from high-impact exercise, obesity, or pre-existing conditions, metatarsalgia can develop and worsen. That's why intervention is important, from short-term fixes, like ice packs, to investing in a long-term insoles solution.
To avoid or lessen the severity of future metatarsalgia issues, custom insoles, like those at Upstep, can help reduce inflammation and allow the right cushioning support to minimize your forefoot pain.
