Effective Metatarsalgia Treatment in Commerce Twp
You live an active life in Commerce Township. Running, hiking, hitting the gym—it’s all part of your routine. But what happens when a sharp pain strikes in the ball of your foot, putting a halt to your favorite activities? This could be metatarsalgia, a condition that affects the metatarsal bones in your foot.
Lakes Foot & Ankle Associates’ expert podiatrists know how frustrating metatarsalgia can be. We get our Commerce Township patients back on their feet and to the active lifestyle they deserve
What Causes Metatarsalgia Pain?
Pain can arise from a number of culprits. Repetitive activities like running, jumping, or even wearing high heels for too long can overuse these bones, leading to inflammation. Improper footwear that lacks support or squishes your toes can also contribute to the problem. A sudden impact from dropping something heavy can damage the metatarsals, and some foot types, like those with high arches or flat feet, are naturally more prone to metatarsalgia.
If you feel like your metatarsals are rebelling, especially when you’re active, this could be a sign of metatarsalgia, a condition that can sideline runners, hikers, and gym enthusiasts alike.
A Look At the Symptoms
If you’ve experienced any of the following metatarsalgia symptoms, it’s important to reach out to our podiatrists for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Early intervention can help prevent the pain from worsening and get you back on your feet faster.
- Pain in the ball of your foot, especially when you bear weight on it
- A burning or aching sensation
- Sharp pain with certain activities, like running or jumping
- Numbness or tingling in the toes
- Callus formation on the ball of the foot
What to Do If You Think You Have Metatarsalgia
The first thing to do is schedule an appointment with a podiatrist at Lakes Foot & Ankle Associates. During your appointment, we will discuss your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle habits. We will also perform a comprehensive foot examination, including X-rays or other imaging tests.
If you feel like your metatarsals are rebelling, that firey pain in the ball of your foot, especially when you’re active, could be metatarsalgia. This condition can sideline runners, hikers, and gym enthusiasts alike.
Metatarsalgia FAQs
Metatarsalgia may improve with rest and home care in some cases. However, if the pain is severe or doesn’t improve with conservative treatment, it’s important to see a Lakes Foot & Ankle Associates podiatrist for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Recovery time for metatarsalgia depends on the nature of your unique case. For example, mild cases with prompt treatment like icing and footwear changes can see improvement within weeks.
With our personalized treatment plan, including orthotics if needed, most patients will experience significant pain relief within 2-3 months. For more complex cases, we’ll create a specific timeline that allows for a safe and speedy recovery. Don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment—the sooner we address the issue, the faster you’ll be back in action!
Surgery is a last resort for metatarsalgia. At Lakes Foot & Ankle Associates, we prioritize conservative treatments. If surgery is needed, our team will explain what it may entail and the recovery process and answer all your questions before moving forward.
There are several things you can do to help prevent metatarsalgia, such as:
- Wearing shoes and metatarsalgia insoles that fit properly and provide good support
- Warming up your feet before activities
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Strengthening the muscles in your feet and ankles with metatarsalgia exercises
- Avoiding activities that cause pain
Want to personalize your prevention plan? Schedule an appointment with Lakes Foot & Ankle Associates today. Our podiatrists can assess your individual needs, recommend the best shoes for metatarsalgia as well as specific strategies to keep you moving pain-free.