Prevention is such an important thing for staying safe and healthy. You can prevent a hot Arizona sunburn by wearing sunscreen and protective layers. You can prevent dehydration by drinking plenty of water. You can also prevent metatarsalgia by taking care of your feet and wearing the right shoes. With a little extra care you can be sure that ball of foot pain won’t be a problem for you.
Causes of Metatarsalgia
Metatarsalgia is categorized as a symptom of a larger problem. If you have metatarsalgia you may experience burning, tingling, numbness, and general discomfort in the ball of your foot. The pain is usually worse after physical activity (even simply standing can aggravate it) and it will often get better when you are resting. Some people even say that having metatarsalgia can feel like they are standing with a pebble in their shoe.
This type of pain can effect almost anyone, but there are definitely risk factors associated. For instance, if you are very physically active or if you are overweight you are more likely to develop ball of foot pain. Also, the type of shoes you wear can really make a difference.
Prevent Metatarsalgia
To prevent metatarsalgia you need to probably make a few simple lifestyle changes. For instance, if you are overweight it’s extremely important to manage those extra pounds by eating healthier foods, drinking plenty of water, and exercising at least 30 minutes every day.
If you are a runner or are on your feet a lot you might want to consider wearing some padding in your shoes for extra cushioning. Furthermore, when it comes to your shoes it’s crucial to make sure they fit properly. If your shoes don’t fit it can lead to so many other issues (bunions, hammertoes, etc.) that can also ultimately lead to having ball of foot pain. Another thing to consider is to keep your arches and the bottoms of your feet strong so they are less susceptible to metatarsalgia. You can do this through stretching and exercise.
If you have more questions about preventing metatarsalgia please call Dr. Peyman Elison and Dr. Viedra Elison at (623) 584-5556 to schedule an appointment with us at Fixing Feet Institute in Surprise, AZ.
