After wearing 3/4 length design foot orthotics for 2 weeks, a patient complains that it is digging into the metatarsal heads. What might be the issue?

The situation described indicates that the foot orthotics are digging into the metatarsal heads, which typically suggests that there may be an issue with the length of the orthotics. When orthotics are too long, they can extend beyond the boundaries of the foot, which leads to pressure on the metatarsal heads as the foot moves within the shoe. This can create discomfort and pain, particularly in the forefoot area.

In the case of 3/4 length orthotics, they are designed to stop short of the toes, providing support primarily under the arch and heel while allowing some freedom for the toes. If they are made longer than designated, it can lead to an unintended contact with the metatarsal heads, resulting in the symptoms the patient is experiencing. Properly fitting orthotics should provide support without causing irritation or compression in areas where the foot makes contact with the insole.

The other options—too short, too narrow, and too wide—do not correlate directly with the symptom of digging into the metatarsal heads. If orthotics were too short, they would not reach the area causing the issue, and if they were too narrow or too wide, it would generally affect the overall fit, potentially leading to