Metatarsalgia is a condition that affects the ball of the foot. It is caused by an overuse injury and is most common in runners. The condition is becoming more and more common and should be treated as soon as possible to prevent the condition from turning into a larger injury. This is because Metatarsalgia can cause pain in the foot, and can also lead to the development of other conditions, such as plantar fasciitis.
What Causes Metatarsalgia?
Metatarsalgia is caused by many things, they include:
1. Plateau fracture.
This type of fracture is a common injury in runners. It happens when the bone in the ball of your foot cracks. This type of fracture is also called a stress fracture.
2. Too much running or jumping.
If you do too much running or jumping, it can lead to Metatarsalgia. This is because this type of activity puts a lot of stress on your feet.
3. Wearing high heels.
If you wear high heels, it can put a lot of stress on your feet. This is because high heels make your feet lean forward and put a lot of pressure on the ball of your foot.
4. Foot arthritis.
If you have arthritis in your feet, it can lead to Metatarsalgia.
5. Having a wide foot.
If you have a wide foot, it can put more stress on the ball of your foot when you walk or run. This is because your foot spreads out when it hits the ground.
6. Improper shoes.
If you are not wearing the right shoes for your sport, it can cause Metatarsalgia. For example, you should not wear flip-flops when playing sports because they do not offer any support to your feet.
7. Tight Achilles tendon.
If your Achilles tendon is too tight, it can lead to Metatarsalgia. This is because the Achilles tendon helps to control the movement of your ankle.
8. Having a high arch.
If you have a high arch, it can put more stress on the ball of your foot when you walk or run. This is because your foot does not hit the ground as hard when you walk or run.
What are the Symptoms of Metatarsalgia?
The main symptom of Metatarsalgia is a pain in the ball of your foot. The pain may feel like a burning, knife-like, or sharp pain in the ball of your foot. Metatarsalgia in Singapore is becoming more popular and its symptoms cannot be ignored. The pain may feel like a burning, knife-like, or sharp pain in the ball of your foot. Some people with Metatarsalgia also experience swelling and redness on the ball of their feet. A doctor will be able to diagnose you using a few simple tests.
How is Metatarsalgia Treated?
The treatment for Metatarsalgia will vary depending on the cause of the condition. However, some treatments that may be recommended include:
1. Resting your feet.
If you have Metatarsalgia, it is important to rest your feet as much as possible. This means avoiding any activities that will make your condition worse.
2. Using ice packs on the affected area.
You should use a bag of frozen peas or a small towel filled with crushed ice to treat your Metatarsalgia at regular intervals throughout the day. You should do this for around 15 minutes each time, and you should repeat it four times every day. This is a good way to reduce the pain and inflammation in your feet, which will allow it to recover faster.
3. Using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
These are medications that can be used to treat pain caused by conditions such as Metatarsalgia. They include ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin.
4. Wearing supportive shoes.
If you are suffering from Metatarsalgia, it is important to wear supportive shoes. This means choosing a shoe that has good arch support and a firm heel counter. You should also avoid wearing high heels or flip-flops.
5. Getting a custom orthotic.
These are shoe inserts that can be made to support your foot in the best possible way. Your doctor may recommend a custom orthotic for you if the other treatments have not been successful in treating your Metatarsalgia condition.
There, now you know what causes Metatarsalgia and how it is treated. I hope this article will be of some help to you. Thanks for reading!