Met Bar Rocker
HeathyStep’s thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) Met Bar Rocker additions are based on a traditional design used when treating metatarsalgia. They should be applied under our total-surface contact (flat-based) devices X-Line and Alleviate Evolve ranges, and Arch Angel Fallen Arch, Active, and Hike insoles. However, they are also suitable for fitting on top of the shells of Vectorthotic and Alleviate Select span devices. Their anterior edge should lie just behind the central metatarsal heads on all orthoses.
These met bar rockers can also be used over custom shells when their prescription contoured distal profile has not proved adequate to suppress symptoms.
£3.54 – £7.08
Product Description
Suitable for all HealthyStep’s total surface-contact orthoses.
X-Line
Condition Specific
Alleviate
Arch Angel Fallen Arch, Active and Hiking Insole
Fitting the met bar rocker is simple. Just peel off the backing and apply as indicated below.
They can be fitted to Vectorthotic and Alleviate Selects as indicated below.
These met bar rockers are 3-dimensionally shaped and angled to redirect some metatarsal head pressures more proximally, especially during late stance. Being built of TPU, they offer some elasticity to help dissipate forces across the forefoot. The central metatarsal heads are primarily targeted for reduced and delayed loading. They are ideal for symptoms of metatarsalgia caused by metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint pathologies, such as capsular or plantar plate tears and localised tendinopathies. However, because all metatarsal heads receive some benefits from delayed loading force peaks on the metatarsal heads, more generalised achy forefoot symptoms can be aided.
Met bar rockers are built to delay peak loading forces on all metatarsal heads and MTP joints. The 2nd and 3rd metatarsal heads should receive the primary benefits of this action. The shaping back in areas of the 1st, 4th and 5th metatarsal heads avoids interference with the natural creation of a more transverse plane curvature in late stance. They may assist in helping improve curvature stability in those with a weak forefoot.
The sharp distal angulation aids the rate of increase in the functional metatarsal declination angle during acceleration after heel lift. Weaker feet can struggle to pull the midfoot into plantarflexion after heel lift, an action that should concurrently increase the functional metatarsal declination angles to gain free and more controlled digital extension. This improves both stability and shock absorption across the forefoot under the forces of acceleration as body weight transfers to the next step. Therefore, the met bar rocker can reduce MTP joint stress and many other symptoms linked to dysfunctional MTP joint and acceleration biomechanics.