Question:
I don't understand what you mean by "off loading the forefoot". Can you explain what that means?
Answer:
Great question! Off loading the forefoot simply means redistributing the weight and pressure on the forefoot back to the midfoot and heel. Metatarsal pads help not only to redistribute that weight and pressure but also help spread the metatarsals so that there is more room between the toes. Dancer's Felt Pads help do this providing relief from the pain of sesamoiditis, great toe pain, turf toe and many other conditions of the forefoot.
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Question:
Do your economy dancer's pads come in varying thicknesses?
Answer:
We sell only one thickness of Dancer's Pads: 1/4 inch thick.
Question:
Can I use the Dancer's pad for Hallux limitus second degree?
Answer:
Conservative care of stage 1 hallux limitus may include the use of a dancer's pad or orthotic custom made with a sub 1 cut out pad. These two types of pads are used in an attempt to increase the plantarflexion of the 1st metatarsal to improve range of motion of the 1st mpj. As we progress into more advanced stages of hallux limitus (2-4), the dancer's pads may no longer be effective. At this stage, we change treatment to a stiff insert with a rigid extension called a Morton's extension. A Morton's extension is used to stiffen the shoe to decrease painful range of motion. This insert is called a turf toe plate. Another short term solution for stage 2-4 is to use a turf toe T-strap to limit range of motion. So stage 2...it's worth a try for sure.
Question:
Are the Dancer's pads and Metatarsal pads washable or do you throw them out when they get dirty? Is it possible to use double sided tape to make them stick again?
Answer:
Their adhesive does wear out over time, and the pads are meant to be disposable. Double-sided tape would work well - good idea!
Question:
Can gel pads be used for dancing or are these pads specifically made for dancing? I would like to buy just one kind if possible, but I think the gel pad might throw my balance off because of its bulkiness.
Answer:
We have several gel metatarsal pads, so I'm not sure which ones you are talking about. Some are thinner than others; some stay in place with adhesive, or velcro, or a toe loop. The Dancers' Pads adhere to your shoe or your skin, so would not move around at all while dancing (or other activities). Customer satisfaction varies with each of the pads so you just have to try each one to see which works best for you.
Question:
I have an injured sesamoid, and I am currently using orthotics in my shoes but want to dance in high heels.. Its been about 7 weeks since I've had them and my orthotics are not made for high heels... I was thinking this product may be what im looking for because they stick to the foot. Will the dancer's pad be an ideal product for me?
Answer:
The Dancer's Pads are a good choice for protecting your sesamoid. These pads off-load the sesamoid bone, which takes pressure away from that area, allowing it to heal. Be sure to read our knowledge base article on sesamoiditis and sesamoid fractures.
Question:
I have sesamoiditis on my right foot. I am an endurance cyclist here in Colorado and frequently ride up mountains and steep hills. I have a taste for long periods of climbing out of the saddle standing up as they say. I would assume the pads would help distributed weight/pressure when riding seated, but what about out of the saddle? Is there any particular placement you would recommend for a cyclist?
Answer:
No. Placement would remain the same regardless of whether you're sitting or standing. It would be best to try and actually place the dancer's pad in the cycling shoe rather than on the foot. In that way you don't have to worry about a new pad every time you go out. Ideally, if you can place the dancer's pad on the underside of the insert from the cycling shoe, that'd work best.
Question:
I have a fractured sesamoid for 4 months now. The orthopod said that it is healing. It wasn't properly diagnosed until 3 months into the injury. I just received your dancer pads and want to try to NOT use the cam boot I was given. It is causing knee pain from walking like a robot. If the area is not painful when standing on it, will the pad( if I do not walk too much) do the trick? The great toe area still swells but goes down with ice. Also I find contradicting info about the healing of the sesamoids. Some sources say they usually heal and some sources say often they do not and need surgery.
Answer:
The Dancer's Pad is designed to take the load off of the first metatarsal joint area and sesamoids to help with pain caused by sesamoiditis, turf toe and metatarsalgia, so it should help you. I know what it is like walking in a cam walker and what it can do to your knees! If you find that you still need to use your cam walker, check out our EvenUp Shoe Leveler which you wear on your other shoe to level out the height imbalance the cam walker creates.
Question:
I have both sesmoiditis (primarily in right foot) and metatarsalagia. It is a chronic condition that flairs up from time to time.(loss of fat pad) Now is one of those times. i have all kinds of pads including dancers pads from another company. Yours looks different and like it would help both conditions. Do you think it would help both? Also, I have a problem getting the pads that i do have positioned correctly and especially having them identically placed on both shoes. What advice do you have there?
Answer:
This pad would definitely address both issues, as it is shaped to accomodate sesamoiditis and metatarsalgia. The key to placement is to make sure the pad is below the ball of your foot, and the first metatarsal joint is clearly cradled in the cut-out. Be sure to watch our video for proper product placement.
Question:
Can you run with the dancer pads?
Answer:
Hopefully better with them on than without them. Not a problem running with them at all.
Question:
I was diagnosed about a year ago with broken sesamoid bones in my left foot (probably from training for a half marathon and ballet at the same time). I have to take dance classes almost everyday bc of my musical theatre major, do you think these would be a good choice for fitting in my dance shoe? As well as just using to walk around everyday? If I am using them everyday, how many do I need to buy?
Answer:
These pads are perfect for dancing - hence, their name! The quantity that you would need depends on your usage. If you adhere them to your skin, they would only last until the glue wears off. If you stick them to your shoe insole, then they would last much longer. You might want to just buy a few pairs at first to see how long they last for you. Once you have that figured out, you can order the quantity you need. Start with just a pack or two to see if they work well for you. If so, check into our discounts for bulk purchases.
Question:
So is this product also good for just walking around on? Use it everyday just for walking?
Answer:
Absolutely! No need to be a dancer. Our Dancer's Pads can be worn daily, either applied directly to your foot or adhered to the inside of your shoe. If you discover that they work well for you, then you may want to put one in all of your shoes. If the insoles come out of your shoes, you can put it on the underside of your insoles (they stay cleaner and last longer underneath), or you can place them on top of insoles that won't come out.
Question:
Hi, my foot was injured badly years ago, mainly my 1st tarsal and metatarsal which is now partially fused. When walking lately my 2nd toe from the end goes numb, and I assume the metartasal nerves are compressing. Do you feel this product would help flatten my foot out somewhat and take the pressure off the nerves?
Answer:
If the problem is primarily on the bottom of the foot, then I'd suggest you try any of our line metatarsal pads. A Dancer's Pad is really just a modified metatarsal pad that focuses on off loading the sesamoids and great toe joint. For sake of simplicity though, I'd first try a felt metatarsal pad or foam met pad. I think you'd actually find them easier to use than the dancer's pads. Plus, the felt and foam met pads are a bit less expensive.
Question:
Can these dancer pads be used in conjunction with reverse morton extensions
Answer:
If it is comfortable to wear both, there is no reason not to!
Question:
I have a sesamoid fracture on my left foot. Should I wear the pad on both feet or just the affected foot? It seems like it would cause a foot imbalance to just wear one.
Answer:
The answer to this question is different for every one! Some folks don't notice the discrepancy when wearing only one pad, especially if the pad is placed underneath the insole of the shoe. Other folks find it more comfortable to wear both. You should experiment to find the best method for you.
More questions? You can find additional answers in our customer support portal or simply click chat at the top of the page.
