XPost: ba.dance, nctu.club.ballroomdance, rec.arts.dance   
   From: fkissam@bellsouth.net   
      
   I have extreme pain in the metarsal area and I can barely walk. I am male   
   and in my 40s.   The DPM said it is probably a stress fracture.   It is   
   caused by overuse by my athletic activities, a completely flat arch, and   
   underlying Morton's neuroma.  The pain is worst when I do ballroom dancing   
   and rise on the ball of the foot.  The pain seems to be in the center of the   
   foot just beneath the toes.. Probably around the 3rd metatarsal.   It is a   
   deep pain that is somewhat localized.   
      
      
      
   I am currently using the BarefootScience type orthotics and they are helping   
   a bit.   
      
      
      
   Does anybody have some remedies or info or web sites or products they can   
   share so that I can remain active?   
      
      
      
   I am currently using an orthopedic shoe that has a high toe box.  It also   
   has great depth for all types of orthotics.   
      
      
      
   My questions are as follows:   
      
   () My most important question : It appears that it would be helpful to build   
   up the orthotic on one side and shift the weight.  Should I build up the   
   inside of the orthotic so that I place more weight on the lateral side of   
   the foot?  Or is it the reverse?   
      
   () There is a special sandal I've heard about at orthopedic stores for   
   metarsal stress fractures.  What is its name and where can I obtain it?   
      
   () Should I use an orthotic that is high in the middle so  that it raises my   
   flat arch?   
      
   () It appears that the orthotic is equally as important as the shoe.  For   
   ballroom dancing when rising on the ball of the foot, should the orthotic be   
   hard, medium or soft?   
      
      
      
      
      
   I am desperate so any resources would be helpful.   
      
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