By Gary D Webb

Metatarsalgia

The general name given to pain that occurs in the ball (Metatarsal) area of your foot, under the heads of your metatarsal bones. It is not actually a disease, but rather a symptom of another problem.

Symptoms

There is normally an aching or burning sensation in the metatarsal area of your foot. You may, in some cases, have a ‘walking on pebbles’ sensation. The pain experienced may be mild or quite severe, individual cases vary. You may experience shooting pains or tingling and numbness in or around your toes. The pain may increase when you stand or move around.

CAUSES

Many different conditions can result in Metatarsalgia, and any extra stress on the ball of the foot can increase the risk. Common causes of Metatarsalgia include:

- Being overweight-This increases pressure on your feet.

- Bunions -Having bunions changes the impact areas of the foot, and can increase pressure to the ball of your foot.

- High impact exercise Diabetes-May cause damage to nerves in your feet.

- Claw or Hammer toes.

- Poor fitting footwear – High heels or shoes that are too tight may cause problems.

- High arches or flat feet – Can increase the risk.

- Stress fractures-The pain usually occurs very quickly.

- Arthritis or Gout – Can lead to inflammation to the big toe or ball of the foot, leading to pain.

PREVENTION / SELF HELP

To reduce the risk of developing Metatarsalgia, or ease the symptoms, it is a good idea to:

- Wear good fitting shoes that are not too high, and have plenty of room around the toe area.

- Avoid being overweight.

- Rest with your feet up.

- Reduce the amount of walking or running that you do. Wear temporary orthotics or have prescription orthotics fitted by a Podiatrist. Seek the advice of a Podiatrist.

Copyright © Gary webb MChs 2009

Gary Webb MChS – Podiatrist and Chiropodist.

How to have comfortable pain free feet.

http://www.webbspodiatry.co.uk

http://www.garywebbpodiatrist.co.uk

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By Jason R Reynolds

If you are among those asking yourself the question, “why do I have morning foot pain?” do not worry you are not alone. If you often wake up feeling intense heel pain in the morning you may be suffering from one of the most prevalent conditions associated with the foot. There are several conditions that may suggest why you often have painful feet upon waking up. A heel pain causing condition medically known as plantar fasciitis is one of the most prominent conditions associated with what you are feeling upon waking up.

Could it be plantar fasciitis? There is a great possibility that plantar fasciitis is causing the discomfort. This is because one of the most common symptoms of this condition is morning foot pain particularly with the heel. On the other hand, there are also other disorders that might be causing the painful foot such as rheumatologic conditions and sometimes Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome.

Upon saying this, the best option for you to go is to visit a doctor. He is the best person capable enough to diagnose what really causes the pain in your foot. He may resort to ordering several diagnostic procedures to investigate the root cause of the pain in your foot. X-rays, physical examination and the more advanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging scan (MRI) are helpful diagnostic procedure that can reveal any abnormality that is causing the pain. Once accurate diagnosis is confirmed, the medical doctor will then create a treatment plan depending on the foot pain causing condition.

Medications might also be recommended; however in certain cases like simple foot injury such as plantar fasciitis initial action is usually through the performance of home care remedies especially if there is no increased inflammation present. Simple exercises might be helpful enough for pain relief.

What other conditions might be causing morning foot pain? In addition to plantar fasciitis, other foot conditions like bone spur, heel spur, and heel injury might also be the cause of the foot pain. Heel injury though should be an obvious case if you know that you have incurred injury in the heel or any part of the foot that resulted to injury in the heel region of your foot. Athletes are the most common sufferers of heel injury. This might be caused by constant straining in the muscles of the heel as well as too much pressure and stress applied on this area. On the other hand, bone spur is a totally different condition compared to plantar fasciitis and heel injury, but there are cases that confusion might arise due to the similar symptoms that they might manifest. This is why consulting the doctor is highly valuable to prevent misdiagnosis.

In conclusion, the best way to know the real reason why you have morning foot pain is to visit your doctor so as to perform proper diagnostic procedures to investigate what really causes the pain. X-rays, physical examination, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging scan (MRI) are all helpful in revealing the root cause why foot pain is present. Do not refuse to follow this advice to prevent the occurrence of further complications.

Foot Care Experts the internet’s most reliable source for quality foot care products that work.

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Inserting Arch Supports and Shoe Insoles to Relieve Pain

Foot pain is a problem for many and can also lead to tenderness in the ankles, calves, legs and back. Sometimes foot pain interferes with our lives, making it difficult to engage in every day activities like walking and running. Many have turned to orthotic devices, such as shoe insoles and arch supports to help deal with the pain. These devices are very helpful because they balance body weight to reduce pressure on the feet. Investing in a good pair of sneakers is a start, but shoe insoles, arch supports and orthotics offer support that your shoes may be lacking in. Inserting orthotics in your shoes can help with the following:

 Plantar fasciitis
 Shin splints
 Ankle, heel and arch pain
 Foot alignment
 Calluses, corns and bunions
 Back and knee pain
 Overpronation

You should see a foot doctor before spending money on any foot products. This will save you time and money because your podiatrist will be able to recommend orthotics, shoe insoles and arch supports specific for your situation.

What are shoe insoles, orthotics and arch supports, exactly?

Orthotic shoe insoles and arch supports are good for extra cushioning and absorbing shock. Usually gel or foam cushioning is used. Some orthotic insoles and arch supports will mold themselves to your feet to provide extra support. For more beneficial relief, consider custom orthotic shoe insoles and arch supports. Custom orthotics will cost you anywhere from $150-$300, but they are created specifically for your feet and work to correct foot problems and relieve foot pain. Over-the-counter foot products are readily available and relatively inexpensive in comparison, but will not deliver the same results.

If you do not like the idea of shoe insoles, orthotics and arch supports, invest in shoes for orthotics. Shoes for orthotics have built in cushioning and foot support. They are like regular shoes, except they are designed for people who are experiencing foot problems and foot pain. There are many styles for shoes for orthotics including dress shoes, sneakers, sandals and clogs.

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