Hey, Tenderfoot, That Pain May Be Metatarsalgia

Lately, it seems every step you take hurts, right there, on the ball of your foot. Or you find it painful just to stand because of the callus.

Could be you have metatarsalgia--pain and inflammation of the five metatarsal bones that form the balls of the feet. When there’s more pressure on the end of one bone, it presses on the skin beneath it, which in turn causes the pain.

The culprits include arthritis, excess weight, high arches and that nemesis of many women, high-heeled shoes.

Your doctor can determine whether you have the condition, by the look and feel of your foot. X-rays will help rule out other causes of the pain. Treatment can include wearing low-heeled, well-cushioned, roomy-across-the-front shoes that help relieve pressure on the balls of the feet. In some cases, surgery may be ordered.

A metatarsal pad, which takes pressure off the affected area, can also help. To insert the pad, put a small mark on the callus, step into the shoe to leave a mark on the insole corresponding with the callus. Next, put the pad in the shoe behind the mark on the insole (peel off the backing first).

Filing down calluses should also bring relief: Soak the foot in warm water, dry it, and then gently rub the callus with a pumice stone or nail file.

Source: StayWell Co.