Finding Relief for Ball-of-foot Pain

                                                                                         

Avoiding foot pain from the start is the most effective way to prevent expensive surgeries later on. Despite the fact that many people ignore foot pain for months, pretending that the pain doesn't exist or hoping it would resolve itself are inappropriate solutions to the foot pain conundrum. Painful feet can be a thing of the past and strong, healthy feet can take their place with only a few minor lifestyle changes. Here are a few reasons why metatarsalgia occurs, how to resolve issues with feet such as Achilles tendinitis, and how minor changes, like using high heel insoles, can help.

High Heels Can Spell Trouble for Feet

High heels can cause an array of problems for feet. From the tight toe box (the part enclosing the front of the foot) to the angle of incline, this type of footwear can cause permanent damage to feet. First, when feet are squeezed into tight shoes, as occurs in a high heeled shoe, the mid-foot and toe areas are forced into a tiny space where they cannot function properly. The muscles, tendons, and ligaments are strained into a narrow space that doesn't allow the foot to function properly. Over time, nerves become squashed, blood flow is decreased to areas of the foot (particularly in the toes) and foot conditions ensue.

Ball-of-foot Pain and How to Treat It

Massage is a great method for soothing aching and sore feet. The soothing movement of the muscle fibers opens up the flow of blood to the region. Massage also delivers healing, oxygen-rich blood into the whole foot. Once muscles are relaxed, nerve endings can begin to stop firing so that pain can be relieved. If nerve endings and muscles are particularly irritated by a certain pair of shoes or an activity, swollen feet will occur. In that case, it is recommended to apply ice for 15 minutes at a time to relieve the swelling. Raising the feet above heart level during this time is also very effective in allowing the surplus fluids to be carried away from the foot.

Achilles Tendonitis Can Be Eased with This Stretch

Achilles tendonitis can really put a damper on anyone's day. The constricton of this vital tendon can cause contracting in the lower leg. It can also be a major contributor to a tear or rip during activity. The way to elongate the tendon's structure in order to lessen pain is to administer gentle stretching to the area. Seated on the floor, your legs should be extended straight out in front of you. Then, slowly lean the upper body forward and your hamstring will be engaged in a stretch. Now that your leg muscles have increased blood flow, gently coax the feet towards the head to focus the stretch onto your Achilles tendon. Hold the stretch for about 30-45 seconds, rest for about 60-90 seconds, and repeat 5 times.

Ball-of-foot Pain Doesn't Have to Be a Part of Your Life Anymore

In today's world where shoes must look good (not feel good), lack of willingness to buy more comfortable shoes can lead to disaster. However, with the use of orthotics for high heels, metatarsalgia can be relieved with consistent wear. It is advisable to choose shoes that have a heel with a less than 2" heel and with a wider-profile heel such as a wedge to avoid future metatarsalgia. If pain occurs at the end of the day, consider changing to flat dress shoes for several days per week to allow the feet some rest from tight shoes which will help feet heal in between wearing higher heels. Be sure to rub feet and stretch them to encourage maximum blood flow to the feet.

About the author:
The orthotic insoles designed by foot care researchers at Footminders are highly recommended by many podiatrists and specialty foot care products stores. These products are the result of years of extensive foot care research by foot care professionals. You can find more information and treatment for many types of foot pain at www.footminders.com.


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