Thinking of how to treat metatarsalgia? You might have heard of a variety of solutions, including ones that sound ridiculous and too good to be true. If you still do not know which ones will work, read this post and learn from the solutions that we will recommend.
Metatarsalgia refers to pain that is felt in the front part of the foot, specifically from the metatarsal region. This is a condition that is common amongst athletes who are into high-impact sports, such as football and tennis. Certain anatomical conditions, such as a high arch, also causes metatarsalgia.
If you are experiencing pain on the ball of your foot, this is one thing that you should not ignore. Be proactive in searching for various ways to treat the problem, including through the suggestions that will be mentioned in the rest of this post.
Rest
This is the simplest and cheapest, yet also one of the most effective solutions to the problem. The application of pressure on the foot results in pain, which is why you need to consider taking a rest, especially if you walk and stand all day.
- Refrain from doing strenuous activities that can lead in foot pain.
- If you are into sports or exercise, consider doing low-impact exercises during the treatment period.
Ice Pack
This is one of the most effective initial treatments that you may want to consider. This will be effective in alleviating pain and improvement of blood circulation.
- Place an ice pack on the part of the foot that hurts. This treatment should begin as soon as the pain starts to be evident.
- Make sure that this is done only for 20 minutes in an hour.
- You are not supposed to place the ice directly on the surface of the foot. You can consider wrapping it in a towel first.
Exercise
When it comes to how to treat metatarsalgia, it is important to develop a regular workout routine. As mentioned, these metatarsalgia exercises should be low impact. It should be focused on strengthening the foot and alleviation of pain.
- Calf Stretch: Stand as you face the wall with one foot placed in front of the other while your hands are on the wall. Your knees should be kept straight and your back heel should be on the floor. Do this position for about 60 seconds.
- Achilles Tendon Stretch: Stand on a stair while your heels are hanging on the edge. Have your heels lowered, retain in such a position for a few seconds, and stretch your Achilles tendon. Rise to your toes and hold a steady position.
- Ankle Extension: Sit on a chair with your legs naturally crossed. Have your toes pulled away from your sole and towards the shin. Just relax for about ten seconds and repeat. Do three sets of repetition for each foot.
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Proper Footwear
One of the reasons why we experience foot pain, not only metatarsalgia, is because we are wearing the wrong footwear. This sacrifices your comfort, and in the end, can lead to serious health problems.
- Choose shoes that will aid in the even distribution of pressure and weight, instead of being concentrated in a specific area.
- Make sure that the shoes are not too tight or too lose. This is why choosing the right size is essential.
- If you play sports or if you train, choose shoes that are appropriate for your activity.
Orthopedic Devices
Aside from using the right shoes, there are also devices that can help in correcting the problem. Many of them are cheap, and hence, there is no reason for you to not give it a shot.
- Metatarsal pads can help when it comes to how to treat metatarsalgia. They will be placed on the shoes and cover the metatarsal area to lessen stress.
- You might also want to consider using arch supports, which will also be inserted in the shoe. It would be best if they are custom fitted based on the shape of your arch and the size of the shoe you are wearing.
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Medications
Although we would want to treat health problems naturally, in some instances, pain is too much and we have no choice but to resort to medications. Make sure to do your research and consult with a health professional before you take any medicine.
- Naproxen and Ibuprofen, among other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, can be recommended. While they may ease the inflammation, they are not best for long-term solutions.
- It should be noted that relief is only temporary, which makes it important to have it complemented with other effective solutions, specifically those that can deliver permanent results.
Surgery
This should be the last amongst the treatment options, especially because it can be complicated and expensive. However, if the case is at its worst and if you have already tried most of the solutions, this can be promising.
- One of the common surgical interventions is oblique osteotomy, which is commonly performed when there is a presence of an abnormality in the metatarsal. The surgery repositions the latter to alleviate pain.
- Synovectomy is another surgery that can deliver promising results. In this procedure, the inflamed synovial lining will be removed.
Conclusion
If you experience forefoot pain, it is essential to know how to treat metatarsalgia. This is important to avoid debilitating pain, making sure that you will be comfortable and productive. From the suggestions above, it proves that treating the problem is not difficult at all!
Did you enjoy reading this post? Is there anything else that you would like to add? Feel free to leave a comment below.
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