What can I do for numbness in the balls of my feet? Over the past year, as I approach 60, I have developed what I have self-diagnosed as a form of metatarsalgia - the balls of my feet get increasingly numb during the day - possibly due to thinning of the tissues in the feet. The more flexible and cushioned the shoe, the less the problem, and cushion inserts also help. Are there shoes and/or inserts that have helped others with this specific problem?
posted by Jackson on Sep 2, 2006 - 13 answers

Is it possible for me to make my own cheap shoe inserts? They don't necessarily have to be perfect, orthotic, form fitting works of art, just some extra padding. I am tall (6'7) and fat (250 lb.) and sometimes my shoes need a little help. That Dr. Scholl's crap sold at the supermarket for $15 a pop hardly seems worth it, and I have worn out the inserts in some of my existing shoes.
posted by mecran01 on Dec 31, 2003 - 14 answers