Fallen cross (transversal) arches

Normally, at the metatarsal area there should be an arch formed by the metatarsal bones. This arch is supported on two main areas in the metatarsal (one below the big toe at the 1st metatarsal and one below the little toe at the 5th metatarsal). This can be seen by the two distinct pressure areas on the pressure map for "Normal Feet".

Fallen cross arches can be seen on the pressure map as a high pressure area over the entire metatarsal zone.

The two distinct pressure areas are not present - this is because this arch has collapsed.

Symptoms of fallen cross arches include cold, burning or puffy feet and soreness in the metatarsal area.

right	left

On the left side the two distinct high-pressure areas at the 1st and 5th metatarsal, which form the cross arch, are not present . The pressure has evened-out across the whole metatarsal area in the middle range of pressures/colours, as can be seen on the pressure scale.

On the right side, again, the two distinct high-pressure areas are not present. Instead, the high pressure (blue/white) is in the middle of the metatarsal area (at the 3rd metatarsal), where the arch should be, rather than being evened-out like on the left side. The metatarsal bones are being pushed out and the resulting high pressure effect on the related toes may eventually lead to a serious hammer toe problem.

Treatment: The built in modules in the Pedikom restorative orthotics will force the metatarsal bones into forming an arch at the 1st and 5th metatarsals. This will push up the collapsed bones, joints, ligaments and muscles and will eventually rebuild the cross arch.