Orthotic Adjustments to Relieve Metatarsal Pressure
THE FOOT PROBLEM
In today's episode of Workshop Live, I am adjusting an orthotic for a customer who is experiencing fifth metatarsal pressure in her left foot after a year of wearing orthotics. She wears them to help her back and hips feel better. However, when wearing the left orthotic on a day-to-day basis, she feels pain and irritation. This customer's left foot is a C10 foot type, which tends to experience more lateral pressure. Depending on the orthotic materials and how the impression is made, any kind of pressurization tells me that there is too much pressure in a certain area.
THE SOLUTION
To relieve pressure on the fifth metatarsal, I am going to scoop out some of the cork base layer in the problematic spot using the grinder to create a depression zone. I am also going to elevate a little extra pressure behind the fifth metatarsal in the cuboid area by applying a cuboid bar with cushion cork material to help reduce irritation. I like to kind of angle it around the heel, so it hugs that lateral side nicely. Finally, I use the grinder to create a smooth finish. We now have a modified orthotic tapered just a touch around the edges that's ready for use.
Cuboid Bar (Lateral Heel Bar) Orthotic Grinder
YOUR FOOT PAIN SOLUTION
If you or someone you know is experiencing foot pain like metatarsal pressure, our certified pedorthic experts are here to help! We offer free foot assessments, make custom orthotics in-house, and provide free orthotic adjustments and modifications.
