The Forefoot
The forefoot receives most of the pounding when a person is walking or running as the weight distribution on the sole of the foot is far greater at the front. Common problems affecting the forefoot are hard skin and corns but other disorders can be painful such as nerve compression, inflammation of the tendons, ligaments and joints and stress fractures. Badly-fitting shoes with very thin soles and little cushioning for shock absorption puts pressure on the joints of the foot causing them to become inflamed.
The fatty pad on the forefoot can also thin with age. There is then nothing to cushion the joints from the constant pounding and so the area becomes inflamed. The pain can be exacerbated by the fact the nerve endings are close to the skin.
We can provide advice on footwear and insoles to help with these conditions.
