Metatarsalgia is a condition that affects the ball of your foot. It can cause pain, inflammation, and other problems. If you are suffering from metatarsalgia, it is important to seek treatment right away. In this article, we will discuss how to treat metatarsalgia the right way. We will cover a variety of treatment options, as well as home remedies that you can try. Let’s get started.
Treating Metatarsalgia
Metatarsalgia is a pain in the ball of your foot, between your arch and your toes. The discomfort usually begins with one or more of the five bones in this region beneath the toes. The metatarsals are the bones that make up this region. This region is frequently irritated due to a callus. In most situations, wearing low-heeled, well-cushioned shoes and fileting down the callus will relieve the discomfort. If these measures fail, you may need to perform exercises or have the bone portion removed using surgery.
To relieve pressure on the ball of your foot and reduce discomfort, your doctor may recommend one or more of the following:
Wear padded-soled shoes.
Shoes with thick padding in the soles are ideal. Keep your heels low. Make sure the shoe is wide across your ball of foot and toes.
Using a metatarsal pad
Put a metatarsal pad in each shoe. The pressure on the painful area is relieved, and the muscles relax. To insert the pad, follow these steps:
- Make a small mark on the callus with lipstick.
- To leave a mark on the insole, step into the shoe.
- Remove the paper backing from the pad. Place the pad in the shoe just behind the lipstick stain.
You may also come across metatarsal pads built-in in the inserts.
Callus removal
If you have a thick callus on the bottom of your foot, your podiatrist may recommend removing it. This can be done with a scalpel or a laser. Callus removal is usually an outpatient procedure that takes less than 30 minutes.
After the callus is removed, you will likely need to wear a metatarsal pad for added cushioning and support. Your podiatrist may also recommend changing your shoes or adding arch supports to help relieve pressure on the ball of your foot. If you have diabetes, proper footwear is especially important to avoid complications from metatarsalgia.
In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat metatarsalgia. Surgery involves cutting and realigning bones in the forefoot. This is usually only recommended if other treatments have failed. Surgery carries the risk of complications, such as infection, so it should only be considered as a last resort.
If you think you may have metatarsalgia, make an appointment with your podiatrist. They will be able to diagnose the condition and recommend the best treatment for you. With proper treatment, metatarsalgia can be managed and you can get back to your normal activities.
Do’s and Don’ts in Treating Metatarsalgia
Metatarsalgia is a common foot condition that can cause pain and discomfort in the ball of your foot. If you are suffering from metatarsalgia, there are some things you should do to help ease your symptoms. Here are some tips on how to treat metatarsalgia the right way:
Do’s:
- Rest your feet as much as possible. This means avoiding any activity that puts stress on your feet, such as running or standing for long periods. This will help reduce inflammation and pain.
- Apply ice to the affected area for 20 minutes several times a day. This will help reduce swelling and pain.
- Wear shoes that fit well and provide good support. This will help take pressure off of the painful area. Avoid high heels or any other shoes that put extra pressure on your toes or the balls of your feet.
- Stretch and do exercises that strengthen the muscles in your feet and legs. This can help take some of the strain off of your feet.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help with the pain.
- Try to lose weight if you are overweight. Extra weight puts extra stress on your feet.
- Wearing compression socks or wrapping your foot in an ace bandage can help reduce swelling. Be sure not to wrap too tightly, as this can make the pain worse.
- Keeping your feet elevated above your heart will also help reduce swelling. Try lying down with your feet up on a pillow or propping them up on a stool when you are sitting.
Don’ts:
- Walk barefoot, even around the house. This can make your symptoms worse.
- Wear shoes that are too tight or have high heels. These can also make your symptoms worse.
- Put ice directly on your skin without a towel or cloth between the ice and your skin. This can cause frostbite.
- Ignore your symptoms. If you think you might have metatarsalgia, see a doctor so they can diagnose and treat your condition.
Remember, The 3 Arches of Your Feet Still Need Support!
Maybe you have already felt the first symptoms of balance disorders or you want to prevent them from appearing in the first place. Consider getting a foot orthotic device or simply take care of your feet. Start by washing them thoroughly with a gentle soap whenever you take a shower. Being a very complex support system, your feet are your first line of defense against balance-related issues, since their arches provide you with the stability you need in your daily life. It’s time to put your foot down and push back against balance issues. With both feet on the ground, dedicate yourself to keeping them comfortable and healthy. Give us a call and we will scan your feet to make you custom orthotic inserts.
The Shoe Doctor has specialized in providing custom orthotics for 20 years. The right orthotic insoles can greatly reduce foot, knee, and hip pain while increasing performance and comfort. Russell at The Shoe Doctor will help educate and assist you in finding the perfect solution for your particular situation. We will create a 3D map of your feet and make custom orthotics for your hiking boots, everyday shoes, and everything else in between. These orthotics, along with our expert advice, will get you using orthotics like a pro, and have you performing at the peak of your abilities in no time! If you are in the San Francisco Bay Area, give The Shoe Doctor a call to get the best custom orthotics in the area! We are here to assist you, schedule your free consultation here!
