Treatment for Ball and Foot Pain
Metatarsalgia is also known as ball and foot pain. This can have many causes. In fact, pain and inflammation in the padding below the toes are not uncommon. Pressure in this area is increased when standing and moving. You may also feel numbness or shooting pain when flexing.
The pain is located in the metatarsal heads. These are the joints below the toes. Pain can ease when you are not on your feet. But, it will return once activities resume. Ball and foot pain is also a common occurrence. Once the cause is identified, it is also treatable.
How to Treat Ball and Foot Pain?
Home remedies can often treat metatarsalgia. Unless there is a severe underlying issue. If diabetes or another condition is to blame, you may need special treatment. For general ball and foot pain, you can try the following:
- Rest. Rest when you can, especially after activity. Apply an ice pack for 20-minute intervals. This will help relieve inflammation and swelling.
- Wear comfortable shoes. Make sure your shoes are fitted correctly. Avoid high heels and tight shoes. These cause misalignment and improper balance.
- Exercise. Avoid high-impact activities when you are in pain. Targeted stretches can help ease the pain. They also improve flexibility. Stretching a few times a day can help ease the pain.
- Use orthotic inserts. Shoe inserts will help in cases of moderate pain. They may not be advised for severe pain, though. However, inserts help align the foot and provide cushioning.
- Lose weight. Extra weight increases pressure on your feet. Losing weight can relieve this.
- Pain medication. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be used to ease the pain. Injectable steroids may also be used for more severe cases.
Corrective surgery may also be an option. This is used when pain is caused by a hammertoe or pinched nerves. This is rarely required to treat most cases of ball and foot pain.
Other conditions could require special treatment. Stiff inserts are prescribed for Freiberg’s disease. However, footpads will be needed for Morton’s neuroma. On the other hand, injections or surgery may be necessary for severe cases of nerve pain.
The Outlook
Treatment can resolve the foot pain in most cases. Wearing comfortable shoes is the best way to prevent metatarsalgia. However, if the pain is caused by physical activity, then rest is a must. In most cases, the pain will subside. If the pain does not subside, seek medical advice.
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