The effect of three treatment techniques in reducing metatarsal head pressures during walking

The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of an insole material, a metatarsal pad, and arch taping in reducing the magnitude of metatarsal head and hallux plantar pressures during walking. Ten subjects walked across a pressure sensor platform under each of the following conditions: barefoot, with the insole material, with a metatarsal pad, immediately after arch taping, and after having worn the arch taping for 4 hours. Peak pressures were calculated for the hallux, the medial forefoot, the central forefoot, and the lateral forefoot. The results indicate that the clinician may use either the metatarsal pad or the insole material if a reduction in plantar pressure under the central or medial forefoot is desired. However, if the clinician desires to decrease plantar pressure under the hallux or lateral forefoot, an insole material should be prescribed.