One of the forefoot conditions is called Metatarsalgia which is a general term used to denote a painful inflammatory foot condition in the metatarsal region of the foot. This is the area just before the toes, or the ball of the foot. The pain is usually located under the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th metatarsal heads or more isolated at the 1st metatarsal head (near the big toe)
Common Causes of Metatarsalgia –
- Caused due to excessive pressure on the metatarsal heads (ball of the foot) over a long period of time.
- Often caused by ill fitting footwear such as women’s dress shoes and other uncomfortable footwear.
- Footwear with a narrow toe box with lack of space in the toe area results in discomfort in the ball-of-the-foot area.
- High heeled shoes.
- Participation in high impact activities with improper footwear or arch support.
- Old age thins out the fat pad in our foot tends which makes us more susceptible to pain in the ball of the foot.
Symptoms –
With Metatarsalgia one or more of the metatarsal heads become painful and/or inflamed and a person with this condition will experience acute, recurrent, or chronic pain on the ball of the foot.
Treatment & Prevention –
The first step to the treatment is to determine the cause of it.
Reduce the risk and discomfort of Metatarsalgia by following these simple instructions:
- Choose footwear with a higher, wider toe box (toe area) to allow the foot to take on its natural shape, so that there is no discomfort felt.
- Choose footwear with a deep heel cup plus metatarsal support and padding.
- A professionally-made orthotic constructed with the pad placed behind the ball of the foot helps relieve pressure and also redistributes weight from the painful area.
- Place a piece of moleskin (a thick adhesive type bandage) on top of a pronounced metatarsal support.
- Ice the ball of the foot to help reduce inflammation.
To take care of all you foot care needs, please visit the foot pain relief store at: http://www.ourdoctorstore.com/cornelison to purchase products online. Dr. Mike’s Foot Store (Medical Product Store) aims to give patients affordable and convenient access to the products. All the products items sold on this secure website are backed by an unconditional 30-day money-back guarantee, and most orders are mailed in 24 hours or less.
Tags: Dr. Mike’s Foot Store, Forefoot Conditions, High heeled shoes, ill fitting footwear, inflammatory foot condition, Metatarsalgia
