5 Ways to Cure Metatarsal Foot Pain

Metatarsalgia, or metatarsal foot pain, is a condition when the ball of the foot, the region below your toes in the forefoot, aches for various reasons. Though not considered a very serious problem, metatarsal foot pain can keep you from enjoying day-to-day activities, where footwork is an essential part. Whether it is hiking with friends or a long walk with family, foot pains can hinder such activities. If left untreated, they may cause complications, and the pain may spread in other parts of the body.

What leads to Metatarsal Foot Pain?

Knowing what leads to it can prevent it in the first place. This pain can happen for many reasons

• Poorly fitted shoes can lead to metatarsalgia. High heels are one such type, which transfers the body weight on the forefoot, causing extra pressure. Excessively small shoes can lead to bunions, and shoes that do not fit the shape of your foot puts pressure on different parts, causing pain and inflammation.

• Excess weight can put extra weight on the front of the foot causing it to stress.

• Doing high intensity exercises, especially running, puts stress on the forefoot. If this continues for a long time, one might develop this foot pain.

• Foot shapes and deformities can also result in metatarsalgia. Having hammer foot, high-arched feet, can lead to such conditions.

• Other reasons include Morton's neuroma, or stress fractures.

What are the symptoms?

A sharp pain, a burning sensation, a hard lump-like sensation in the foot’s ball while keeping the foot on the ground, or walking are a few of the telling signs of metatarsalgia.

5 ways to cure Metatarsal Foot Pain

One should not ignore metatarsal foot pains, even if they look insignificant. If the pain lasts even after rest, over two days, one should see a general physician or podiatrist if the pain is alarming. Your doctor may ask you to get an x-ray to find out the exact source of the pain.

1. Rest: Resting your tired feet will relieve pain. Sitting or lying with feet facing up will help heal the worn out foot muscle. Avoiding high stress activities like running for a few days will fasten the healing process. Doing low impact workouts which do not put pressure on forefoot will also help you be fit.

2. Ice Treatment: Wrap an ice cube with a cloth and apply it on the area of pain for 15-20 minutes, multiple times a day. You can also purchase ice-packs for the same purpose. The cold temperature will hasten the healing process and reduce pain.

3. Proper Shoes: Changing poorly fitted shoes for ones that cushion the shape of your feet, or properly absorb shocks during heavy activity will prevent foot pain. They can customize shoes for sportsmen. One can customize their shoes according to the activity like walking, running or hiking.

4. Metatarsal Pads: These are pads which when attached to your shoe, will help disperse the pressure off the metatarsal region. Using this regularly will help dissipate the foot pain. Metatarsal pads can be bought in any pharmacy shops or can be recommended by doctors according to your needs.

5. Arch Support: If attaching an insole does not help, one might opt for arch supports. An arch support minimizes the pressure on the metatarsal region, which heals the inflammation. Like metatarsal pads, arch supports can be bought over-the-counter, or be suggested by your doctor.

Conclusion

It is always the wisest choice to visit a doctor and get professional advice. Sometimes metatarsal foot pain can escalate to serious conditions, requiring medication and even surgery.