INSOLES FOR BALL-OF-FOOT PAIN

Pain in the ball of the foot can hamper physical activity and exercise, and can make simple activities, such as walking down stairs or standing up when getting out of bed, difficult. Insoles can help protect the foot and reduce ball-of-foot pain. People can choose from a variety of insole options, depending on personal preference and the severity of the pain or foot problem.
Types
Insoles are available in ready-to-wear or custom-fit forms. Ready-to-wear insoles are separated into types for men's or women's feet and by foam or gel. Custom-fit insoles are also referred to as orthotics, and these are available in two options, soft and rigid. Soft orthotics cushion the ball and arches of the feet and protect them from injury and pain, while rigid orthotics correct abnormal foot angles and movements that can cause or worsen pain in the ball of the foot.

Features
Many insoles fit inside of slippers, so that people suffering from pain in the ball of the foot can walk more comfortably inside the home as well as outside. In addition, some insoles include added deodorizers to help decrease foot odor. With the foam variety of insoles, the user can trim them to the necessary length to fit into the shoe. While gel or foam insoles are sold at pharmacies, grocery stores and sporting-goods stores, orthotics require a visit to a podiatrist, who will make a cast of the foot and build a custom-fit insole from the cast. Foam, gel and soft orthotics require replacement once a year or more often as the cushioning wears out, while rigid orthotics only rarely need replacement.
Function
Foam or gel insoles act to absorb shock caused by physical activity. In addition, these insoles can help reduce pressure in the painful area of the foot. Custom-fit soft orthotics also act to reduce shock and pressure to the ball and other areas of the foot, and they can help reduce problems with balance due to a sore foot. Rigid orthotics reduce pain in the ball of the foot by controlling the motion of the foot so the joints are not stressed.
Considerations
Insoles do not fit in all types of shoes, especially open-toed shoes, sandals and flip-flops. Custom-fit orthotics can cost several hundred dollars plus the price of a visit to the doctor; not all insurance companies cover orthotics, and those that do might apply a medical device deductible, forcing patients to pay much of the cost out of pocket anyhow, explains Dr. Lee Perlman of the Step Lively Foot and Ankle Center of Columbus, Ohio. Changes in weight as well as changes in the feet as a result of pregnancy might necessitate a new set of insoles due to increases in the width of the foot.