High heels used to be the mark of a sophisticated woman. But just now the sexy gait has become a limp. The step is sheer torment. Walking is painful and warmness can be felt in the ball of the feet. Chances are, your feet are in a condition referred to as metatarsalgia. This is a broad term that marks discomfort or pain in the forefoot or ball of the foot. A common complaint among athletes, this can also happen to women wearing heavy shoes or high-heeled shoes and who have been walking for most part of the day. Strenuous activities such as running and jumping can add pressure on the metatarsals-the long bones situated in the front part of the feet below the toes. The condition is not regarded as life threatening; it can put restrictions in your daily activities.

Metatarsalgia

Normally the pain in the feet is often accompanied by tingling, or sharp shooting pain in the toes and intense pain while walking barefooted. But problems, in all likelihood, will advance over time. Metatarsalgia may also happen because of redoubled training or activity accomplished by some athletes or physical buffs. Sometimes particular foot shapes can put pressure where it should not be. High-heeled or small shoes can also add to the foot problem. In these kinds of shoes, the toes are not able to lay flat. The toe curls downward, depressing the metatarsal heads. Obesity can also add spare pounds of pressure, while aging can make the bones vulnerable to injury because the bones on their feet are thinning at this point in time. The best way to initially curb this condition is to be real careful.

You can avoid injuring your foot by taking proper rest. Perhaps you may stop engaging in any strenuous activity such as sports for some time. You can also select doing low-impact routines like swimming and cycling. Should the balls of your feet start to hurt, however, you may apple cold compress for between 15 and 20 minutes the whole day. You can wrap the ice pack with a thin towel to secure your skin. Since shoes play a significant role in bringing pain, you can ask the opinion of the doctor as to which shoe will fit your stride, foot type, or your sport. There are also some metatarsal pads available, which you can place inside your shoes, just over your metatarsal bones, to deflect stress from the area. Pain relievers too can help. You can purchase some aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen to decrease the inflammation or pain. Lastly, consider using arch supports. This is to reduce the stress to your metatarsal bones as well as to improve better foot function. There are many sizes available and you can fit them immediately. You may even have them custom-made by getting your foot’s plaster cast.

Medical care is not necessary in all foot problems. There are times when your feet ache because of too much standing or after rigorous workout. But it’s still advisable to not neglect foot pain which goes on for days. Consult a doctor immediately if the pain in your metatarsals doesn’t change, even if you already altered your shoes or your activity.