Walking is a mode of transportation, a form of exercise, a hobby, a social activity—in essence, it’s a healthy and important part of most people’s daily lives. It gets you moving and enables you to get where you want to go. The ability to walk without pain is an important part of your mobility and independence. That’s why conditions like metatarsalgia can be such a problem. This ball of the foot pain can make walking difficult. Fortunately, a little home care can help deal with the discomfort and allow you to walk without pain.
Metatarsalgia is a general ball of the foot condition. Different issues can cause it, but it’s usually related to excessive pressure or inflammation in the forefoot. Alleviating that pain so you can walk comfortably means reducing pressure and irritation in the ball of the foot. Here are some easy ways to do this at home:
- Rest – Your feet might need a break from hard impacts. Rest from activities like running or spending long hours standing and walking if you can. If you still want to exercise, stick to low-impact activities like biking or swimming.
- Wear the right shoes – Many shoes that are fashionable and stylish are terrible for your foot comfort. Skip the pumps, narrow dress shoes, and any other footwear that puts pressure on your toes. Instead use styles that have plenty of support and cushioning through the soles.
- Ice the pain – When your forefoot hurts, ice it. Ice decreases both inflammation and swelling, alleviating pain.
- Use pads or orthotics – Sometimes your ball of the foot just needs extra cushioning or support in other areas. You might need to add metatarsal pads or arch supports to your shoes to cushion and support the painful areas.
Pain that’s persistent might be a sign that other factors are affecting your ball of the foot pain, and you may need more involved treatments.
Home care for metatarsalgia is simple and easy to apply, helping you eliminate discomfort when you walk so you can stay healthy. Don’t give up your mobility or independence by ignoring the problem and allowing it to grow worse. Instead, if you’re not sure what to do for metatarsalgia, or it’s not working on its own, let our team with Mitchell Wachtel, DPM help you care for your feet. You can make an appointment at our North Andover, Lowell, and Haverhill, MA, offices online or by calling (978) 794-8406 today.