27 Jul How to Treat Metatarsalgia
Do you have uncomfortable foot pain? It can stop you from doing your favorite summer activities. At Cherrywood Foot Care, we can give you the attention you need for your foot discomfort. If you are suffering from foot pain in the ball of your foot, the pain could potentially be from a condition known as metatarsalgia. Please continue reading to learn more about this condition and how our team can help.
What Is Metatarsalgia?
While metatarsalgia is generally not serious, foot pain can sideline you. Nearly 80% of people have had metatarsalgia at some point in their lives. Metatarsalgia is a condition that causes the ball of your foot to become inflamed and painful. This condition also causes pain to your toes and the arch of your foot. The pain usually stems from one or more metatarsal bones in the mid-portion of the foot. Some of the symptoms of metatarsalgia can include the following:
- Shooting pain, numbness, or tingling in the toes.
- Pain that worsens when running, standing, or flexing the feet.
- The feeling of having a rock in your shoes.
- Burning pain in the ball of your foot.
Causes of Metatarsalgia
The pain associated with this condition is primarily due to joint inflammation and irritation. As a result, a callus develops underneath the joint. It can also be caused by arthritis, a prior foot injury, hard surfaces, or unsupportive shoes. Stress from running, jumping, and being active can cause flare-ups. Here are some examples of potential causes of metatarsalgia:
- Being Overweight.
- Having Bunions.
- Torn Ligaments in your Feet.
- Stress Fractures in your toes.
Treatment of Metatarsalgia
It is recommended first to change your footwear. It could be as simple as buying new comfortable shoes to fix the problem. There is also an option to get fitted orthotics specific to your foot. These small changes can relieve your pain. Pain medication, physical therapy, and foot exercises and stretches can help relieve symptoms and get you back on your feet. There are other preventative measures to stop metatarsalgia. One way is to stretch the muscles surrounding the toes to prevent future injuries. Other options include massages and acupuncture, along with physical therapy, provided by Cherrywood Foot Care. These solutions increase blood flow throughout the body, which distributes oxygen to hurting areas and helps the healing process.
Contact Us at Cherrywood Foot Care
Do not let foot pain stop you from doing the activities you love. Contact our team at Cherrywood Foot Care to make a consultation with one of our specialists to find the right solution for you. We are committed to helping our patients seek relief from their foot injuries and pain.