Metatarsal issues: what a pain

My cool weather casual uniform includes hiking pants, a tee shirt, and clogs. Recently, my left foot started hurting whenever I wore clogs. Then it hurt when I wore my felt Fitflop slippers. After a visit to a podiatrist, I learned that my feet are old. Unlike the fat, blocky foot of a baby, my feet have lost their cushioning fat. The podiatrist recommended metatarsal pads, which are made to cushion the foot. I found little socks with gel pads. I’ve been wearing them for about a week, and they do help. I can wear my clogs with them. But, they take up a lot of space and have made some of my shoes too tight. I’ve ordered some pads to stick directly in the shoe, but the podiatrist cautioned that they can come loose and leave stickiness behind. And then, what about sandals?

Has anyone gone through this? What works best for you? Please advise.

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1 day ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Oh dear. Old feet are not fun! It seems that many of us are dealing with similar issues. I don't have this particular problem, but I do have a high risk of plantar fasciitis and have to take care (sometimes using heel pads or special insoles) to guard against recurrence or treat temporary flare ups. And similarly, I find these pads do not work in many of my shoes.

I don't suppose there are any exercises one can do? Probably not, but.....

slim cat

I have some of that and Morton's neuroma it seems. No pads but special insoles or half insole to put under the regular one. Limited brands/styles only and I went half size bigger a few years ago. My feet have high arch and high instep - some boots/shoes can't be even tried on - not enough space to get through - lol.
Sandals by ABEO from their website or Walking company website
https://www.thewalkingcompany......sandal-red

kellygirl

Oh no! My mom was a nurse and was on her feet a lot. She had the same problem and couldn't wear Danskos after awhile. I remember her saying that she didn't have the fatty pads on her feet anymore to provide cushioning. Are sneakers any better? That's all my mom wears these days although she doesn't walk like she used to so it's not really an issue anymore. I hope you can find some relief - don't want this cramping your style!

Angie

Fashion Stylist

Oh, I empathize. I’m so sorry

You might have to switch to sneakers and very padded shoes. Clogs, although supportive, can be too hard on your feet.

FWIW, here’s my 2 cents:

I find that a full cushioning insole is better than a foot pad and gel sock. More comfy and even across the entire underside of my foot.

I have very boney feet. No cushioning left. Podiatrist suggested I never, NEVER not wear shoes. I wear extremely supportive thick soled slippers at home.

I tend to have ball of the foot issues too. I use a pumice stone VERY regularly to take the edge off the hard skin that builds up there - which is NOT a protective layer, but rather a painful layer. The pumice stone helps!!

I’ve also really stepped up my vinyasa yoga practice. Daily for up to an hour. It has helped my feet!!! It’s astonishing, actually. I use a Pilates mat because it’s more cushioning than a yoga mat. Better for my high maintenance feet.

I walk a lot so I do whatever it takes to help my fussy feet.

15 hours ago

JAileen

Suz, thank you for the sympathy. The podiatrist gave me a sheet with exercises. I feel a little blindsided by this. I had never even heard of it.

Slim Cat, thank you for the info and suggestions. With the gel pad sock, my feet have gone from low volume to high volume. It will take some adjustment both physically and mentally.

Kelly, thank you for your sympathy. It sounds like your mom and I have the exact same issue. I thought the problem was the arch support, but apparently it was the hardness of the shoes. I can wear sneakers, and some of my boots are kind of soft.

Angie, thank you for sharing your experiences and solutions. I’ll try a full insole. I’ve been using this gel pad sock but I don’t love it. We’re going on a birding trip this winter and I need insulated hiking boots. I had ordered several pairs and one fit with the gel pad sock. I went up a full size, and I think an insole will work. I’ve thought of starting yoga again. It really helped my balance. It’s interesting that it has helped your feet, too.

8 hours ago

Encore

Active Member

As a walker, I have found that Hoka Biondi's are the best for outdoor activities or long walks. They have the best cushion!

For other shoes, I do use metatarsal pads to relieve the pressure. I gave up clogs (too too stiff) and flats that do not have arch support or too thin sole. At this stage in the game it is comfort over "cuteness".

And I never go without wearing shoes in the house!

Lisa

I've had foot issues and surgery over the years. I won't go barefoot or only socks in the house, my feet need arch support and cushioning all the time.

6 hours ago

Jaime

I have always had ball of foot pain (self diagnosed Morton's neuroma based on my toe shape), which is why I hardly ever wear (or wore) non-flats. Like Angie I find the right insole more helpful than a pad, just because the pad tends to unstick and move around. A lot depends on the exact shoe for me - and I love Birkenstocks for summer.

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