FAQ: Metatarsal Foot Pain When Walking?

How do you relieve metatarsal pain?

To help ease your metatarsalgia pain, try these tips:

1. Rest. Protect your foot from further injury by not stressing it.
2. Ice the affected area.
3. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever.
4. Wear proper shoes.
5. Use metatarsal pads.
6. Consider arch supports.

Why do my metatarsals hurt when I walk?

Metatarsalgia is a painful condition that affects the ball of the foot. The metatarsals are bones that connect the toes to the ankles. It can result from overuse or high-impact sports, arthritis, and wearing inappropriate footwear, such as high-heeled shoes.

Does metatarsalgia go away?

It can take months for the pain to go away. If the ligaments around a joint are torn, or if a toe has started to slant toward the toe next to it, you may need surgery.

Do I need to see a doctor for metatarsalgia?

How is metatarsalgia diagnosed? If your pain in the metatarsal area persists for a few days after resting your feet or changing your footwear, it’s best to see a doctor. Your doctor will examine your foot and ask you to walk so they can observe your gait.

How do you know if you have damaged your metatarsal?

Acute metatarsal fracture May make an audible sound at the time of the break and you will usually have immediate pain and tenderness around the area of the fracture. The pain is often called ‘pinpoint pain’ as it is quite well localised at the site of impact to the bone.

What are the best shoes for metatarsal pain?

Best Shoes For Metatarsalgia | Best Shoes For Ball Of Foot Pain Relief

• Vionic Walker – Women’s Shoe.
• Propet One – Women’s Athletic Sneaker.
• Propet Stability X Strap – Men’s Casual Shoe.
• Propet One LT – Women’s Athletic Shoe.
• Drew Rockford – Men’s Orthopedic Boot.
• Drew Savannah – Women’s Clog.
• Drew Cascade – Women’s Sandal.

What does metatarsalgia feel like?

Symptoms of metatarsalgia can include: Sharp, aching or burning pain in the ball of your foot — the part of the sole just behind your toes. Pain that worsens when you stand, run, flex your feet or walk — especially barefoot on a hard surface — and improves when you rest.

What is a Morton’s toe?

Morton’s toe, or Morton’s foot, describes the condition where your second toe looks longer than your big toe. It’s very common: Some people just have it and others don’t. In some people, Morton’s toe may increase the chances of calluses forming on the sole of your foot and some other foot pains.

How long does it take for metatarsalgia to heal?

Ball of the foot pain or Metatarsalgia generally takes 6-8 weeks to improve and early activity on the healing bone and joint can result in a setback in recovery.

Can I walk with metatarsalgia?

Untreated metatarsalgia can lead to hammertoes, can cause you to limp and cause pain in other parts of the body, including the lower back and hip when you compensate and begin to walk abnormally.

Will stretching help metatarsalgia?

A stretching regime is also a fundamental element of your recovery, helping to alleviate pain whilst strengthening key muscles which can help in preventing metatarsalgia. The most important areas to focus on for recovery are the calf muscles, achilles tendons, ankles, and toes.

Is massage good for metatarsalgia?

Massage Can Reduce Metatarsalgia By massaging the bottoms of the feet with a gentle sweeping touch, blood flow is brought to the feet instantly. Reported by the American Massage Therapy Association, two effective techniques involve specifically using the thumbs.

Should I see my primary doctor for foot pain?

If you regularly experience sore, tired, aching or swollen feet, it may be time to see a doctor. Foot pain may be caused by a variety of factors from arthritis to poorly fitting shoes to plantar fasciitis. Sometimes foot pain can indicate an underlying medical condition like diabetes that needs to be addressed.

What is the difference between Morton neuroma and metatarsalgia?

Morton’s Neuroma often presents as numbness and tingling before becoming worse and developing into pain, while Metatarsalgia more often begins as a dull pain that develops into sharper pain. In Morton’s Neuroma, you may be able to feel a pronounced mass between the third and fourth toes.