Tired and stressed feet? Foot ache? If you are suffer from splayed feet, you know such discomfort. Our splayfoot solutions support troubled feet and can help to alleviate pain or prevent the formation of splayed feet. But how do you place metatarsal pads or splayfoot cushions correctly in the shoe?
What are splayed feet?
A foot with a weakened (flat) medial latitudinal arch is generally referred to as a splayfoot or spreadfoot. It is a very common foot problem and can be quite painful. Typically, horny kin forms in the frontal region of the sole. Furthermore, it is characterized by stinging pain in the metatarsus area, tenderness, cramps and a sore instep – signs of beginning trouble.
In the process the metatarsus grows wider. The toes spread and press against the shoe’s inner sides (the phalanx of the big toe (hallux) stands out clearly = formation of a bunion). First signs: The walking sole is worn down, especially in the middle area; the middle of the insole has taken on a dark hue and shows pressure marks.
How do metatarsal pads work?
Metatarsal pads as well as arch supports are quite efficient remedies. They sustain the metatarsus, thus allowing it to regain its original form. Appropriate gymnastic exercises and massages can help to relax and strengthen the foot’s muscles.
How to position metatarsal pads
The most improtant reference point for the positioning of metatarsal pads is the "ball line" (see image). It is an imaginary line that connects the internal and external ball. The metatarsal heads are located along this line.
You can even feel them with your hands if you gently press in the forefoot area on the sole of your foot. The metatarsal pad is not positioned directly underneath these bones but in the soft area behind them. As an orientation you should position the metatarsal pad so that its front part overlaps the ball line by about 5 mm.
The video shows how to position the gel met pad pedag FEEL GOOD.
Use our practical placement aid that you can download to print here. The aid is true to scale when the printed template has a length of 13.5 centimeters (5.3 inches). When printing the template, make sure that you select the option "original size".
Your footprint inside the shoe
Have you ever looked inside your shoes? Especially with shoes with a leather insole or where you wear leather foot supports you can recognize a footprint over time. In worn shoes the metatarsal heads leave slight depressions in shoes and insoles that indicate their exact position. With leather insoles, you will see a slight discoloration of the material where the metatarsal heads have left their prints.
pedag. Feels good.
