Common Foot Conditions Treated with Orthotics

Grace Turner, Clinic Director
Performance Orthotics

Metatarsalgia
Chief Complain: Pain at the ball of the foot

Metatarsalgia is general pain in the ball of the foot from poor biomechanics most commonly seen under metatarsal bones 2, 3, and 4. Abnormal pronation or collapse of the arch may cause excessive metatarsal bone rotation and forefoot pressure which leads to this pain. Custom orthotic devices are used to reduce the pronation, stop metatarsal bone rotation and friction, and can relieve painful inflammation in the ball of the foot area.

Plantar Fasciitis
Chief complaint: Pain in and around the heel bone

Plantar Fasciitis is the chronic breakdown and tearing of ligament type soft tissue called the fascia, usually caused by constant tugging at that heel bone attachment site. . Abnormal pronation or flattening of the foot’s arch can cause damage to the soft tissues connecting and pulling on the heel bone. Custom Orthotic devices are used to reduce and stop the stretching of the lower arch and heal chronic soft tissue damage.

Bunion (Hallux Valgus)
Chief Complaint: Pain in the Big Toe, usually exacerbated with tight fitting shoe wear

When the big toe angles towards the smaller toes, a boney bump on the outside of the toe may become painful, often referred to as a bunion. Collapsing of the arch or abnormal pronation may cause the bones to rotate and lead to poor alignment at the big toe joint. Bunions may be related to a family history of bad bone alignment and poor biomechanics. A custom orthotic and properly fitted footwear will stop or reduce abnormal foot pronation and prevent the bones and ligaments from twisting out of alignment.

Morton’s Neuroma
Chief Complaint: Numbness or tingling in the toes

Morton’s Neuroma is usually described as a thickening of nerve fibers likely due to repeated trauma or compression found between the metatarsal (forefoot) bones. Flattening of foot’s arch or abnormal pronation may cause the metatarsal bones to twist followed by compression or entrapment of the nerves between the bones. A custom orthotic is designed to stop abnormal bone rotation and nerve entrapment while reducing pain in the forefoot area.

OrthoCarolina providers can refer patients to Performance Orthotics but you can also receive a free foot evaluation without a referral. For more information call (704) 945-7790.