Do
- rest and raise your foot when you can.
- put an ice pack (or bag of frozen peas in a towel) on the painful area for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours.
- wear shoes with plenty of room for your feet, which have a low heel and soft sole.
- use soft insoles or pads in your shoes.
- try to lose weight if you’re overweight.
Metatarsalgia (met-uh-tahr-SAL-juh) is a condition in which the ball of your foot becomes painful and inflamed. You might develop it if you participate in activities that involve running and jumping. There are other causes as well, including foot deformities and shoes that are too tight or too loose.
Treatment. Ball of the foot pain or Metatarsalgia generally takes 6-8 weeks to improve and early activity on the healing bone and joint can result in a setback in recovery.
What exercises help metatarsalgia?
Stand in a walking position with the leg to be stretched straight behind you and the other leg bent in front of you. Take support from a wall or chair. Lean your body forwards and down until you feel the stretching in the calf of the straight leg. Hold for 20-30 seconds or as pain allows then relax.
How do you relieve pain in the ball of your foot? – Related Questions
What is the fastest way to cure metatarsalgia?
Lifestyle and home remedies
- Rest. Protect your foot from further injury by not stressing it.
- Ice the affected area. Apply ice packs to the affected area for about 20 minutes at a time several times a day.
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever.
- Wear proper shoes.
- Use metatarsal pads.
- Consider arch supports.
Will metatarsalgia ever go away?
Metatarsalgia can have a number of different causes, including wearing unsupportive footwear, conditions such as arthritis, and doing high-impact sports. It can be very uncomfortable and interfere with your normal activities, but will often improve with some simple self-help measures.
How does metatarsalgia go away?
Treatment may consist of home care, such as rest, wearing different shoes, and taking over-the-counter pain medicines. It can take months for the pain to go away. If the ligaments around a joint are torn, or if a toe has started to slant toward the toe next to it, you may need surgery.
How do I strengthen my metatarsals?
Put some marbles on the floor next to a cup. Sit in a chair, and use the toes of your affected foot to lift up one marble from the floor at a time. Then try to put the marble in the cup. Repeat 8 to 12 times.
Can walking help metatarsalgia?
Generally, stretches and exercise can improve the quality of life for metatarsalgia patients through the following potential benefits: Stimulated healing by increasing blood flow and, consequently, healing white blood cells to the area. Reduced pain and swelling in the ball of the foot.
Should you massage metatarsalgia?
Massage Can Reduce Metatarsalgia
Massage techniques can help with metatarsalgia ( ball of foot pain) and aid in Morton’s Neuroma. These techniques are becoming very popular among sports therapists, and massage therapists, reflexologists, and physical therapists.
What can a podiatrist do for metatarsalgia?
With most cases of metatarsalgia, our podiatrists will assign simple treatments and care such as:
- Icing several times a day.
- Taking Anti-inflammatories.
- Resting & keeping foot elevated.
- Wearing better fitting shoes.
- Using orthotics or arch supports.
- Ankle & Achilles tendon stretches.
What happens if you don’t treat metatarsalgia?
Metatarsalgia can lead to other problems if you don’t treat it. You’re likely to change the way you walk to take pressure off the painful spot on your foot. That can cause pain elsewhere in your foot or in your other foot, and all the way to your lower back or hips. You can even develop a hammertoe.
Does Epsom salt help metatarsalgia?
Low level, cold laser or ultrasound therapy to the metatarsal head area can decrease inflammation or irritation and significantly calm down the area. Soaking your feet in hot, Epsom salt bath. This simple home remedy can take some of the soreness out of the foot.
Perform a massage by rolling a golf or tennis ball under your foot, being careful not to apply direct pressure to the painful area. This helps relax the muscles in the foot that become overworked supporting the toes.
How do I know if I have metatarsalgia?
Symptoms often include a sharp, aching, or burning pain in the forefoot, especially in the part of the sole just behind your toes. Metatarsalgia can also feel like a sharp or shooting pain, numbness, or tingling in the toes, or like having a pebble in your shoe.
Can compression socks help metatarsalgia?
Paired with a good pair of supportive athletic shoes, these socks can help prevent plantar fasciitis, metatarsalgia, or other pain and injuries in the foot.
What shoes are good for metatarsalgia?
The best shoes for Metatarsalgia should have a thick, cushioned sole to reduce the impact on the metatarsal heads. There should be stability and rigidity throughout the midsole to reduce excess movement of the foot when walking and a deep heel cup to help stabilise the subtalar joint of the ankle.
Does foam rolling help metatarsalgia?
Exercises. Contrary to popular belief, tight leg muscles can lead to metatarsalgia. Correct running footwear and exercises specifically designed for runners can help alleviate many different running problems, including metatarsalgia. Foam rolling or massage therapy may also be beneficial.
