Are orthotics helpful for a rigid metatarsus adductus foot type?
Richard Jay, DPM, Alona Kashanian, DPM, and Ronald Valmassy, DPM, agree that orthotics can be useful in treating patients with rigid metatarsus adductus. Dr. Kashanian says an orthotic can reduce stress on the lateral column when one utilizes a rearfoot post that is extended laterally but is not beveled laterally. She adds that a forefoot varus post helps support a structurally elevated first ray. While Dr. Jay believes that orthotics are indicated in patients with rigid deformities, he notes that children may complain of discomfort at the base of the fifth metatarsal laterally. Accordingly, he says it is imperative to use an insert that does not have any high phalange against the fifth metatarsal base. Dr. Jay notes it is usually indicated to cut out the lateral area to allow exposure of the styloid process of the fifth metatarsal. When patients have rigid metatarsus adductus, Dr. Valmassy says correcting the abnormal foot function with orthotics will reduce secondary symptoms often a
