Metatarsalgia
Symptoms:
Sharp, aching or burning pain in the ball of the foot. Pain worsens when standing, flexing the foot or walking. Numbness or tingling toes can also occur.
Causes:
Common causes are: intense training or activity, excess weight, poorly fitting shoes, Stress fractures, hammertoes and bunions, and Morton’s Neuroma.
Footwear Strategies:
Try to find a shoe with lots of width, a stiff rocker sole, and think about putting a met pad insole in.
Brands:
-Most Hoka models
-Asics Glideride
-Saucony Endorphin series
--New Balance 840F
Bunions
Symptoms:
Inability to bend the big toe, often there is a burning pain when trying. Tends to be red and swollen around the start of the big toe. Often there is a difficulty wearing some of the more basic shoes. Numbness, hammertoes, corns and calluses are very common after effects of bunions.
Causes:
-Pressure from the way you walk or the shape of your foot can cause your big toe to bend in towards the second toe. Bunions gradually happen over time.
Footwear Strategies:
-Try to find a shoe with lots of width, no seam over the bunion area, and a stiff rocker sole. A stretch elastic upper material will also do wonders.
Brands:
-See Metatarsalgia above
-NB 840 or 840F
-Saucony Echelon or Endorphin Series
-Propet Bianca or Sylvie
Plantar Fasciitis
Symptoms:
Stabbing pain in bottom of foot near heel. Tends to hurt most when taking the first steps in the morning. Often triggered by long periods of standing or getting up after sitting for a long time. Pain is usually worse after exercise.
Causes:
Common causes are: Abnormal foot mechanics, wearing non-supportive footwear for extended periods of time on unforgiving surfaces, and supporting excessive body weight.
Footwear Strategies:
-Try to find a shoe with a high heel offset (heel is 10mm+ higher than the toes), and a stiff rocker sole. Having the stiff rocker will cause less stretching of the plantar fascia.
Brands:
-New Balance 840F
-Asics Glideride or Kayano
-Most Hoka styles
Do not base strategies on information from Dr. Google or your friends. Rely on a professional from a healthcare provider, such as a podiatrist.