Question:
Should I buy a larger size if my foot is swollen?
Answer:
Yes. You definitely do not want to cut off the circulation in your foot. Measure your foot when it is swollen and also measure your foot when it is not. You could purchase one for when you have swelling and another one for when your foot is not.
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Question:
What is the equivalent in inches for the small, medium and large Arch Binder w/Met Pad?
Answer:
For the small 18-19cm is equal to 7-7 1/2 inches in circumference. For the medium 20-21cm is equal to approximately 8 inches.
For the large 22-23cm is equal to approximately 9 inches in circumference.
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Question:
I am a runner, and I suffer from dropped metatarsals, or metatarsalgia. I was wondering what pads would be the best for me to use. I try to run regularly, but the pain has become too much lately. What should I do?
Answer:
Thanks for your question about what to do for your dropped metatarsals. Any of our metatarsal pads would do the trick to alleviate some of the pressure on your metatarsal heads. We have an article about metatarsalgia which offers a lot of information on causes, treatments and products that you might want to take a look at if you haven’t already.
Our most popular metatarsal pads are these:
Felt Metatarsal Pads: best adhered to your shoe
Reusable Metatarsal Pads: these reusable pads stick to your skin
Arch Binder with Metatarsal Pad: a great slip-on solution to wear at home barefoot or in slippers or sandals.
Pedag Comfort Supports: these insoles have the pad built-in so there is no guesswork about where the pad should go.
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Question:
I was wondering if you could recommend a certain metatarsal pad for me.. My husband is a chiropractor and told me I have a dropped metatarsal head...I have a callus between my big toe and second toe. I have an 8 month old baby and don't know if it is due to the relaxin being present or not. The problem is I am a female and wear different shoes all the time and around the house I am mainly barefoot...do you have a product that would help lift the metatarsal head as well as accommodate my lifestyle?
Answer:
Thanks for your question about what metatarsal pad would work best for your lifestyle. If you have a dropped metatarsal head that causes callus, you need to off-load the weight bearing away from your metatarsal heads/joints with a met pad. Rather than lift the metatarsal head with a pad placed directly on it, you want to displace the weight by using a met pad behind it. Take a look at the video for Felt Metatarsal Pads to see where the pads should hit. Any of our met pads would work for you, especially the most simple Felt Metatarsal Pads~ they are inexpensive and effective. If you want an insole that has the metatarsal pad built in and in the right position, take a look at the Pedag Comfort Insoles, as they take the guess-work out of placement. For going barefoot around the house, and also for use in sandals, you should take a look at 2 of our most popular met pads:
Reusable Metatarsal Pads-Gel - these are worn on the skin, and can be worn over and over again.
Arch Binder with Metatarsal Pad - this slips on and stays in place, even while barefoot.
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Question:
I have a bunion without the deformity at the side of my foot. My big toe is moving slightly to the left. I don't need a spacer as it is not crowding the other toes, it is just not taking its fair share of the weight. I have been given an orthotic which has a raised section in the centre front of my foot to lift that area to reduce the pressure. Another suggestion is a cortisone shot into the big toe to reduce the inflammation. What products do you suggest?
Answer:
Sounds like capsulitis of the 2nd metatarsal head. The orthotic with met pad is a good tool. The arch binder with met pad may also be used with or without shoes (vs only with shoes for the orthotics). Many people choose the arch binder with met pad to wear around the house with just a sock or slippers(no shoes), but the arch binder with met pad can also be used in shoes too (not with the orthotic at the same time).
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Question:
I have Morton's Neuroma and have shooting pains in my 2nd and 3rd toes when I walk with shoes on -- no pain when barefoot or with slippers. Had Cortisone shot and tried wide box shoes to no effect. Wondering which pads would be most beneficial: gel, felt, t-pad? I am leaning towards the gel reusable but will go with what you suggest. Thanks so much. I'll await your reply.
Answer:
Thanks for your question about what pad would work best for your Morton's Neuroma. With Morton's neuroma symptoms, the key is to use a pad to help spread your metatarsal bones apart, and keep them from pinching your nerve. Any of our met pads would work for you, especially the most simple Felt Metatarsal Pads~ they are inexpensive and effective. Take a look at the video for Felt Metatarsal Pads to see where the pads should hit.
If you want an insole that has the metatarsal pad built in and in the right position, take a look at the Pedag Comfort Insoles, as they take the guess-work out of placement.
For going barefoot around the house, and also for use in sandals, you should take a look at 2 of our most popular met pads:
Reusable Metatarsal Pads-Gel - these are worn on the skin, and can be worn over and over again.
Arch Binder with Metatarsal Pad - this slips on and stays in place, even while barefoot.
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Question:
I have pain on the balls of my feet when I wear shoes or walk bearfoot . I purchased a dr. sholls thing however it took up to much space in my shoes . I am seeking somthing that will eleviate the pain on the balls of my feet and not take up room in my shoes. Which metatarsal pad do you recommend?
Answer:
I need a little more information about your pain before I can recommend any products to help with the pain in the balls of your feet. We have many ball-of-foot products; some are better for fat pad atrophy and others are better for various forefoot problems where off-loading the ball of foot is the goal.
If you need something directly on the balls of your feet to cushion and add padding, then take a look at these 3 products, all of which take up very little space in your shoes:
Gel Metatarsal Cushion
Ball of Foot Gel Pads
Foam Ball of Foot Pads
If you need a pad that will off-load weight from the balls of your feet, then many of the other ball-of-foot products will work. The ones that take up the least amount of room are:
Gel Metatarsal Pads
Metatarsal Pads - Felt
Metatarsal Pads - Foam
Metatarsal Pads -PPT
To help you when going barefoot at home, check out:
Arch Binder with Metatarsal Pad
Reusable Gel Ball-of-Foot Cushions
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Question:
I have a hard knot on the ball of my foot just below my second toe. It hurts to walk on it. I try to put my weight on the side of my foot. Can you tell me what is going on and what I can do to help it. I allways were flat sandals and walk alot.
Answer:
A number of things could be causing your ball of foot pain including metatarsalgia, capsulitis, bursitis, or fracture. You can read up on these conditions in our knowledge base article on forefoot pain. The Arch Binder with Metatarsal Pad would help off-load weight away from the ball of your foot, which would reduce your pain.
Question:
How thick is the metatarsal pad and is it made of felt or foam?
Answer:
The metatarsal pad portion of this product measures less than 1/4" (closer to 1/8") and is made of a firm foam.
Question:
May diabetics use this?
Answer:
Patients with diabetes or poor circulation can use this product, but should do so with caution, checking frequently for any area that may become irritated.
Question:
My midfoot measurement is 25.5 cm. Is there a size available for my foot?
Answer:
Unfortunately, this product is only made in 3 sizes, with the Large measuring up to 23cm. Since they are made out of elastic, the Large may work for your foot. Otherwise, I would suggest any of our other metatarsal pad products that do not require a midfoot fit.
Question:
I have a long narrow and skinny foot. I will need a small for the circumference of the arch binder but am concerned that the metatarsal pad may not fall in the correct position because my foot is long (ladies size 11). Also, the metatarsal pads that I have glued into my shoes are of a triangular shape. Yours looks like it is just rounded. Does it taper at the bottom or is it just an oval. I have plantar fasitiis (overpronation) as well as morton's neuroma. Is this the best product for me? I already have a semi-custom soft orthotic for my athletic shoes and need something for sandals and around the house.
Answer:
The Arch Binder with Met Pad does taper toward the heel, so is more like a tear-drop shape. I think the placement of the pad should be okay, as you can move the binder to any spot in your midfoot to adjust where the pad hits, which is one of the pluses of this product. Also, this would be a perfect product for wearing in sandals or even barefoot at home. You can also take a look at Reusable Ball-of-Foot Gel Cushion, which sticks to your skin, and can be used over and over again. For your plantar fasciitis, please take a look at our products designed for plantar fasciitis.
Question:
Is this item washable and if so, what are the washing instructions?
Answer:
It is hand-washable in warm soapy water. You can remove the rubber metatarsal pad from the back for quicker drying time.
Question:
I recently purchased a pair of arch binders from my podiatrist and after wearing them a few days I got curious and took a look at the metatarsal pads. Both pads had the narrow/tapered end pointed toward the toes. This didn't seem right, so I reversed them so that the narrow ends (marked "XS") are now pointed toward the heels. Did I do the right thing?
Answer:
You certainly did! The wider portion of the metatarsal pad is to be placed proximal to the ball of the foot, giving more off-loading relief to that area.
Question:
I would like to purchase a pair of arch binders with metatarsal pads and the question is one of sizing. I wear a size seven shoe, which is small. However when I measure the circumferance of my mid foot it is 8.5" or 21cm, which is medium (I do have flat feet). If I do order the medium, how would the support fit on my foot length-wise?
Answer:
The size difference in this product is the circumference of the arch binder. The length, from the tip of the metatarsal pad to the back of the binder, isn't measurably different between a small, medium, or large.
Question:
I have metatarselgia with planter plate injury. I do have a high arch. I generally wear socks at home. What do you suggest?
Answer:
If you go without shoes at home, the Arch Binder with Metatarsal Pad is a good choice, as you don't need shoes to keep it on.
Question:
Can this product be worn in high heels (up to 2 1/2")?
Answer:
The Arch Binder with Metatarsal Pad can be worn with any type of shoe (or barefoot) that is comfortable for you. If it is comfortable in high heels, then by all means you should wear it. It may not be comfortable if the high heels have a tight toe box and narrow sillouette, as the Arch Binder with Metatarsal Pad may take up too much room in the shoe to be comfortable or effective.
Question:
I have a second metatarsal stress fracture on my right foot. My foot doctor gave me a high cam walker to use, however, I am having a terrible time with it. I am 62 and experience balance problems at times due to other orthopedic problems. This boot throws me totally off, and I'm afraid I'm going to fall. I will speak to my doctor (he's on vacation), but the arch binder with metatarsal pad looks like a good alternative. Do you think this would be suitable for someone like me? I am diabetic. Or do you have an alternative suggestion?
Answer:
Thanks for your question. If your doctor wants you in a cam walker until the fracture heals, you should continue to wear one. An arch binder with metatarsal pad is used to offer support to the mid-foot and to take the weight-bearing load off of the metatarsals, but if you have a fracture, using this may not be wise. You are correct in asking your doctor for his opinion. However, if balance is your main issue, take a look at the Evenup Shoe Leveler to wear on your other foot. Also, our Low-top Air Walker could be easier for your to get around in.
Question:
I have arthritis of my first tarsal-metatarsal joint and have gotten relief from your carbon graphite plates which I have just begun using. I also have a bunion of the great toe on the same foot. Would I get increased relief from the metatarsal pads in addition, and what would you suggest I wear at home, under a sock, etc.
Answer:
I'm going to guess that the alignment of the great toe is the issue with your bunion? If that's the case, I think you'd be better off with the Gel Bunion Spacer with Stay-Put Loop. The Gel bunion Spacer can be worn with just socks around the house and would be much more specific to treating a bunion.
Question:
I broke my right foot - 4th& 5th met. Will this give me the support I need once I stop wearing the air boot?
Answer:
It is important to consult with your doctor about using any product after you have stopped wearing your air walker. Any product that offers compression will help reduce swelling - this product would be good for that, as well as the Arch Binder, or our Forefoot Compression Sleeve.
Question:
Where can I order the replacement metatarsal pads for the arch binder with metatarsal pad?
Answer:
We do carry them at the store. Please contact us for additional information regarding replacements.
Question:
I am looking for a metatarsal pad (I have an extra long second metatarsal, which puts pressure on the ball of my foot after the fat pad wore away) that I can wear barefoot for my yoga practice, which would hold up to the forces that yoga puts on the feet in standing poses. Would this work? What would you recommend?
Answer:
The Arch Binder with Metatarsal Pad is the best choice if you want to wear a metatarsal pad while going barefoot. You might also want to look at the Reusable Ball-of-Foot Gel Cushion since it is designed to be adhered to the bottom of your foot.
Question:
My step daughter plays fastpitch softball and is a pitcher. She has a stress fracture in her 4th metatarsal on her push off foot and has been in a walking boot for 7 weeks. The doctor has said as soon as she is pain free when walking barefoot that she can go back to pitching. Would you recommend this product for her while it is healing? I was wondering if she should wear in addition to the boot to help the support and healing process? I was also wondering if she should wear when she is healed while playing softball to help support the foot and if so should she have one on each foot?
Answer:
Two suggestions. First, a forefoot compression sleeve would certainly help. The forefoot compression sleeve can be used in conjunction with the walking cast or with street shoes. As she returns to play, she’d be wise to add a little stiffness to the shoe. A carbon spring plate would certainly help in the shoe with the fracture.
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