METATARSALGIA

Metatarsalgia is a painful condition affecting the lesser metatarsal heads—the “balls” of the foot just behind the toes. This area absorbs a large portion of the body’s weight with every step, and when the foot’s biomechanics break down, that pressure becomes concentrated instead of evenly distributed. Over time, this can lead to inflammation, irritation, and the familiar sensation of “walking on a stone.” If symptoms are persistent or worsening, it’s important to consult a qualified healthcare professional for proper evaluation.

How Metatarsalgia Feels

People often describe several hallmark sensations:

• A bruise‑like ache under the ball of the foot

• Sharp or burning pain that worsens with activity

• Tingling or numbness in the toes

• Pain that increases when the toes are extended or the foot is flexed

• A feeling of stepping on a pebble or ridge inside the shoe

These symptoms typically intensify with prolonged standing, walking, running, or wearing footwear that compresses the forefoot.

How Foot Biomechanics Lead to Metatarsalgia

Metatarsalgia is rarely just a “pressure problem.” It is usually the result of improper foot function, especially when the arch collapses and the forefoot is forced to absorb more load than it was designed to handle.

When the arch flattens:

• The forefoot spreads — increasing pressure under the lesser metatarsal heads.

• Weight shifts forward — overloading the ball of the foot with each step.

• Toe alignment changes — which can alter how pressure is distributed.

• Gait compensation develops — often contributing to fatigue or discomfort in the ankles, knees, or hips.

Over time, millions of steps taken with a collapsing arch can irritate the soft tissues under the metatarsal heads, leading to chronic forefoot pain.

Why MASS Posture Orthotics Are Effective

MASS (Maximum Arch Supination Stabilization) posture orthotics are designed to restore the foot closer to its optimal functional position. Instead of supporting the arch in its collapsed state, they aim to re‑establish a healthier posture that reduces overload on the forefoot.

Key benefits include:

• Full‑contact arch support — distributing pressure across the entire foot rather than allowing it to collapse forward.

• Improved forefoot alignment — reducing excessive splay and lowering stress on the metatarsal heads.

• Dynamic flexibility — allowing the orthotic to flex with the foot while still guiding it toward better biomechanics.

• Reduced peak pressure — helping the forefoot absorb load more evenly with each step.

By improving how the foot functions, MASS posture orthotics help address the biomechanical forces that contribute to metatarsalgia discomfort.

The Role of Custom Calibration

Every foot has a unique combination of arch height, flexibility, and forefoot mobility. That’s why calibration is essential.

At East Valley Orthotics, each MASS posture orthotic is calibrated using the Gibb test, which evaluates forefoot flexibility. This ensures the orthotic flexes appropriately for the individual’s structure:

• Flexible forefoot — requires a different stiffness profile to prevent over‑loading the metatarsal heads.

• Rigid forefoot — needs a different calibration to avoid excessive pressure transfer.

• Variable arch biomechanics — influence how much support and correction the orthotic should provide.

This personalized calibration allows the orthotic to work with the foot’s natural motion while still guiding it toward healthier alignment.

What Patients Often Notice

While each person’s experience is unique, many people report:

• Less pressure under the ball of the foot

• Improved comfort during walking and standing

• Reduced tingling or burning sensations

• Better overall foot stability

• Less fatigue in the feet and legs

These improvements come from addressing the underlying biomechanics—not just cushioning the painful area.

Supporting Long‑Term Foot Health

Metatarsalgia often develops gradually, and meaningful improvement takes time. MASS posture orthotics are designed to support healthier foot function with every step. They can be part of a broader care plan that may include footwear changes, stretching, strengthening, or medical evaluation depending on individual needs.