Foot pain in the ball of the foot, is a condition that affects the metatarsals, the bones that connect the ankle bones to the toes. Because these bones bear your weight when you are standing, moving, and running, they are a frequent source of pain. Wearing unsupportive shoes, having diseases like arthritis, and participating in high-impact sports are just a few of the possible causes of Metatarsalgia. Even though it can be extremely uncomfortable and interfere with your daily activities, it frequently gets better on its own.
Resting The Feet
One of the best things you can do for your feet, if you have Metatarsal Foot Pain, is to give them a break. Put your feet up on the sofa during a break from exercise. Your feet will have more time to heal and will be shielded from further harm if you release the pressure on them. Try low impact sports like swimming if you must continue exercising so that your feet will not be put through too much stress.
Using The Cold Therapy
Cold therapy is an easy and affordable way to relieve forefoot metatarsal foot pain. By numbing the pain and reducing swelling with ice, you can affix an ice pack to the ball of your foot. Avoid sleeping with the ice pack on your skin; instead, leave it on for 20-minute intervals. Cold therapy can be used at any time of the day but be sure to do so right after exercise to reduce any potential swelling.
Stretching And Foot Exercises
Treatments for Metatarsal foot paininclude stretching and exercise. Increasing your range of motion and releasing any tight muscles, tendons, and ligaments are both benefits of stretching. Your surrounding muscles will become stronger through exercise, helping to reduce the risk of further harm. Before starting any new stretches or exercises, be sure to get the go-ahead from your physician or physical therapist. Check to see if you are putting your feet under any additional strain or stress.
Practicing Healthy Foot Hygiene
Treatment for metatarsalgia must include good foot care. It is important to take care of your feet, but many people do not do so. Maintaining calluses, moisturizing, and even giving your feet a light massage are all examples of good foot care. Metatarsalgia can be brought on by foot issues like:
- Morton’s neuroma,
- Bunions, or
- Hammertoes.
So make sure to take care of any underlying issues that might be causing your Metatarsal foot pain.
Putting On Proper Shoes
When you have metatarsalgia, the right shoes can make all the difference. Look for footwear with a roomy toe box that will not squeak when you put your foot in them. The bottoms of your feet should be well-supported and cushioned in your shoes. High heels should not be worn as they increase pressure on the balls of your feet. Use orthotic shoe inserts. In addition to metatarsalgia, plantar fasciitis, morton’s neuroma, and high arches – all can be managed by shoe inserts.
Using Kinesiology Tape
A flexible medical tape called kinesiology tape is used to wrap joints and muscles in safety. Even after being moistened, it can cling to the skin for several days. It will enhance proprioception (body awareness), raise blood and lymph circulation, and hopefully ward off further injury when used for Metatarsal foot pain.
Taking Medications
Over the foot’s ball, Metatarsal foot painresults in swelling and inflammation. Use an anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, to combat that. These over-the-counter drugs lessen inflammation in the body and ease pain. In order to ensure that these medications will not interact with any other medications you take and to prevent unintended side effects, if you have never used these medications before, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Undergoing Physical Therapy
Metatarsalgia is one of the many conditions that physical therapists are professionally trained to treat. They will lead you through a series of stretches and exercises to increase your strength and flexibility. In the event that surgery is necessary, they will work with you during recovery to get you back to your pre-surgery fitness level.
Conclusion
Only the most extreme cases of Metatarsal foot painrequire surgery. Your doctor might recommend an orthopedic surgeon if you have experienced little to no relief from this condition. In order to get a clearer picture of your foot and condition, your surgeon will probably order some diagnostic tests, such as x-rays. Your surgeon will attempt during surgery to alter the length or alignment of some of the bones in your foot to alter how your foot manages weight-bearing activities.
