Metatarsalgia: Prevent Foot Pain with the Right Footwear

Understanding Metatarsalgia and How Shoes Affect It

metatarsalgia

Metatarsalgia is a painful condition affecting the ball of the foot, often caused by wearing inappropriate footwear that puts too much pressure on the metatarsal bones. It’s a common complaint among those who stand or walk for long hours, wear high heels, or choose unsupportive shoes. At Foot Solutions Plymouth, we believe prevention starts with proper shoe selection and that your footwear should work with your feet, not against them.

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Footwear Can Hurt – Or Help

Unlike other clothing, footwear has a direct impact on your health. Ill-fitting shoes don’t just cause discomfort, they can lead to lasting foot problems like metatarsalgia, bunions, plantar fasciitis, and even arthritis. That’s why it’s vital to understand what makes a good shoe.

Follow these 10 expert-approved tips for choosing footwear that protects your feet and reduces your risk of injury:

  1. Measure both feet – Always choose shoes based on the larger foot.
  2. Flex at the right point – Shoes should only bend at the big toe joint.
  3. Avoid lateral twisting – Look for stability and side support.
  4. Secure heel support – Enclosed, firm heels keep feet properly aligned.
  5. Spacious toe box – Depth and width matter for toe comfort.
  6. Add length – A thumb’s width beyond your longest toe is ideal.
  7. Fastening is essential – Straps, laces or buckles offer proper hold.
  8. Keep heels low – 2.5cm max to reduce forefoot pressure.
  9. Match shoe to foot shape – Avoid squeezing into narrow styles.
  10. Supportive midsoles – Look for firm but shock-absorbing material.

Extra Support for Demanding Activities

Even if your shoes tick all the boxes, extra support may still be needed, especially during high-impact activities like hiking, running or long walks. Arch supports or custom orthotics can help prevent metatarsalgia by reducing stress on the forefoot and correcting gait issues like over-pronation.

When to Seek Help for Metatarsalgia

If you're experiencing persistent ball-of-foot pain, don’t ignore it. Metatarsalgia may worsen over time if the pressure continues. Visit Foot Solutions for a full foot assessment, gait scan, and personalised recommendations to help relieve pressure and improve foot health.

metatarsalgia

Long-Term Comfort Starts with Better Shoes

The two main functions of good shoes are protection and support. When chosen wisely, they reduce strain on the body and help prevent issues like metatarsalgia from developing in the first place.

Step Into Comfort with Foot Solutions Plymouth

Your feet deserve more than guesswork. Whether you’re dealing with discomfort or want to prevent future pain, visit Foot Solutions today. With expert guidance and supportive footwear, you’ll take every step in comfort.

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A man is holding a pair of shoes in front of a sign that says foot solutions.

Steve Morgan

March 28, 2025
Steve Morgan loves attending concerts at London’s many music venues.  However, in recent years, his enjoyment has been increasingly marred by foot and back pain that prevented him standing for prolonged periods. A keen sportsman, Steve, 44, has a high pain threshold, but about a year ago the discomfort became debilitating, limiting both his mobility and quality of life. Recommended by a work colleague whose mother had been successfully treated for a similar complaint, Steve made an appointment for a free, no obligation assessment at Foot Solutions. “The assessment was detailed, rigorous and really interesting” explains Steve. “All the consultants at Foot Solutions are highly-trained specialists and really know their stuff. I learnt that I have over-pronating feet which means that my arches flatten on impact with the ground. The recommended treatment was customised arch supports. The consultant explained the benefits without applying any sales pressure. After consideration, I decided to proceed with the purchase.” Have the arch supports helped? “They’ve been an absolute godsend” says Steve, “The foot pain has been massively reduced and the back pain has completely gone. I can now enjoy a night out with hardly any discomfort. Plus, my balance and posture have improved so much that I’ve realised that I’m taller than people I thought were bigger than me!” Would he recommend Foot Solutions? “Definitely” confirms Steve, “Foot Solutions are massive in America and it’s easy to see why. The assessment process is excellent, the products are superb and the staff are outstanding.” If you’re suffering from foot, back or joint pain, contact Foot Solutions today to arrange a free foot and gait analysis.
A man holding a pair of shoes in front of a foot solutions sign

Colin Haylock MBE

March 28, 2025
Although officially retired as a Consultant Maxillofacial Prosthetist, Colin Haylock MBE still travels the world using his specialist life-changing skills to help rebuild people’s faces.  However, following a motorcycle accident which left his left foot badly deformed, Colin’s mobility was significantly restricted. “I was really struggling,” explains Colin, currently an honorary tutor at Guys Medical School. “Following the accident, my movement became painful and awkward and I had to drag my left foot sideways. The problem was accentuated during my travels when I was on my feet a lot of the time.” At first, Colin sought help from the usual channels, visiting casualty, a physiotherapist and even an orthoptist who prescribed rigid (and uncomfortable) half-sole inserts. Unfortunately, nothing worked. Then Colin decided to visit Foot Solutions in Richmond. “I’d been aware of the Foot Solutions free foot assessment offer for some time,” adds Colin “then one Sunday morning I called in to the store. I’m so glad I did because that visit changed my life for the better.” Colin was seen by Foot Solutions consultant Asif, who after taking a full case history, performed a series of tests and scans which identified in addition to the injury, a fallen arch which was exacerbating the problem. “Asif was extremely patient and thorough,” continues Colin, “he recommended custom-made arch supports and advised on suitable footwear, but applied no sales pressure.” Colin accepted Asif’s recommendations and followed his detailed instructions on how to use the arch supports. “I can now walk normally with virtually no discomfort,” says a delighted Colin, “Foot Solutions is a very good product and I am happy to endorse it.”
A woman is holding two pairs of shoes in front of a sign that says foot solutions.

Heather Paine

March 28, 2025
Food Scientist turned designer jeweller, Heather Paine was finding her mobility and comfort increasingly marred by the effect of arthritis in her ankles and feet. This was exacerbated by a painful condition known as hammer toes, where the toe joints curl downwards, causing friction with footwear. After enduring much discomfort, Heather eventually had an operation in an attempt to reduce the pain. Following the surgery, she was prescribed rigid, three-quarter length standard orthotics, which could only be used in a limited range of very unflattering footwear. “I came across Foot Solutions in Richmond, and decided to call in. I was very patiently and thoroughly taken through a detailed foot assessment process including two scans. Custom arch supports were recommended and I was shown a selection of stylish, comfortable and orthotic-friendly shoes.  After I was fitted with my new orthotics and footwear, the improvement has been dramatic. Life is a lot less painful and I can wear nice shoes, sandals and boots. I recently went to Brazil and spent a lot of time on my feet without any discomfort! I am more than happy to recommend Foot Solutions.”