Hi all,
I’m trying to recover from some ball of foot pain and a diagnosis of capsulitis in the second toe (MTP joint) of my left foot. I think I’ll be able to return to running soon, but obviously I’d like to try to prevent this from ever occurring again.
I was just wondering if anyone has any recommendations on metatarsal pads that have worked for them to offload the ball of foot/toe joint area. I’ve been using these:
1/8" orthopedic felt, cut to shape, stuck to bottom of whatever insole came with the shoe. Sometimes the insoles compress significantly and then need a second layer of the felt to get the appropriate lift and separation…
All these solutions will likely help and rroof knows his stuff. FWIW, in working specifically with runners and runner’s footwear the addition of the pads can be challenging in terms of fit/placement, friction… that is the reason of recommend the lynco. No vested interest, link is to neutral bed with metatarsal pad. They also come with a rear post (~2 degrees) with same metatarsal pad (L425).
I actual tested these in my days as a fellow and they were one of the few OTC insoles that actually change kinematics (location) beyond cushioning.
Try a Budin splint. It’s a plantar pad that hooks around one or two toes.
And don’t wear anything with a thin or non cushioned sole at any time. Slippers are bad and walking barefoot is the worst.
That Aetrex insert may cushion the area for relief, but it will not alter any ‘kinematics’.
Adhesive pads are good, place one behind the area that hurts ( toward the heel). You can thicken the area under the hot spot with a thinner material, but place the thicker felt or foam behind/proximally.
A custom orthotic will work best, though, if the problem continues. It will alter the ground reaction forces under the metatarsal heads, as well as provide cushioning using any number of effective materials.