Metatarsalgia pain can feel like a sharp or burning sensation in the ball of your foot, making it difficult to walk or stand for long periods of time. Physiotherapists and chiropractors often see patients who suffer from this condition. While there are various treatments available for metatarsalgia pain, there are also certain things you should avoid to prevent exacerbating your symptoms. In this blog post, we will share some tips on what to avoid with metatarsalgia pain so that you can focus on relieving your discomfort and getting back to your daily activities.
High-impact activities: One of the main causes of metatarsalgia pain is repetitive stress on your feet. This means that high-impact activities like running, jumping, or playing sports on hard surfaces can worsen your symptoms. Instead, opt for low-impact exercises like swimming, cycling, or yoga as they put less stress on your feet.
Tight-fitting shoes: Another common cause of metatarsalgia pain is wearing shoes that are too tight or too narrow. Shoes that don’t fit properly put undue pressure on the balls of your feet, leading to pain. Make sure your shoes have enough room for your toes to move freely and choose footwear with good cushioning to absorb shock and reduce pressure.
High-heeled shoes: In addition to tight-fitting shoes, high-heeled shoes can also cause metatarsalgia pain. High heels shift your weight forward, putting increased pressure on the balls of your feet. If wearing heels is unavoidable, choose lower heels and limit the amount of time you spend in them.
Sudden increases in activity level: If you’ve been relatively inactive for a while, jumping into a high-intensity exercise program can put you at risk for metatarsalgia pain. Gradually increasing your activity level and choosing low-impact exercises can help prevent injury and reduce your risk of developing this condition.
Neglecting foot care: Lastly, neglecting your feet can contribute to metatarsalgia pain. Blisters, calluses, and other foot conditions can increase pressure on the balls of your feet and exacerbate your symptoms. Make sure to wear socks, keep your feet clean and dry, and moisturize your skin regularly to keep your feet healthy. Additionally, seeing a podiatrist can help identify and treat any common foot conditions.
While there are various causes of metatarsalgia pain, there are also things you can do to avoid exacerbating your symptoms. Physiotherapists and chiropractors recommend avoiding high-impact activities, tight-fitting shoes, high-heeled shoes, sudden increases in activity levels, and neglecting foot care. By taking good care of your feet and making small lifestyle changes, you can decrease your risk of developing metatarsalgia pain and improve your overall quality of life.
If you have any questions or would like to explore further, please book a free, no-charge online appointment with either myself, Dr. Seth Siegfried, HBK, DC, or another Kitchener chiropractor at CARESPACE. We are happy to listen and are here to help!
