Metatarsalgia
Treating and preventing metatarsalgia
Source: NHS
In this topic (5)
The following measures will often help improve metatarsalgia and stop it coming back:
- rest your feet put your feet upregularly and avoid activities that make the pain worse; try low-impact activities such as cycling or swimming instead ofsports that involve a lot of running or jumping
- usean ice pack apply an ice pack to the affected area for about 20 minutes several times a day (a bag of frozen peas will also work); make sure you wrapit in a towel so it doesn't damage your skin
- change your footwear tryflat shoes thathave plenty of room for your feet and have a well-cushioned sole; replace any worn out shoes as they could make things worse (read more about choosing sports shoes and trainers )
- use shock-absorbingpads or insoles these can fit inside your shoes to help cushion your feet;they'reavailable from pharmacies and sports shops,or can be bought online
- maintain a healthy weight adopting a healthy, balanceddiet and doing regular low-impact exercises can help you lose weight if you're overweight
- take paracetamol or ibuprofen to help relieve pain and swelling if necessary
Try these measures for afew weeks to see if your symptoms improve.
Articles for Metatarsalgia
Introduction
Metatarsalgia is the name for pain in the ball of the foot. Find out about the most common symptoms, causes and treatments for this condition.
Symptoms of metatarsalgia
Metatarsalgia tends to develop gradually over time. It may be felt in a small area of the foot, or across the whole width of it. One or both feet may be affected. The pain of metatarsalgia is someti
Treating and preventing metatarsalgia
The following measures will often help improve metatarsalgia and stop it coming back: rest your feet put your feet upregularly and avoid activities that make the pain worse; try low-impact activit
What causes metatarsalgia?
Metatarsalgia is usuallythe result of increased pressure on the ball of the foot. Some common causes of metatarsalgia include: badly fitting footwear high-heeled or restrictive shoes can force th
When to get medical advice
You can usually treat metatarsalgia at home without seeing your GP. However, you should get medical advice if: the pain doesn't improve despite trying self-help measures the pain significantly int