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BALL of FOOT PAIN, Metatarsalgia
Metatarsalgia is very much a general term applied to what everyone tends to call ‘ball of foot’ pain. It can be put down to many varied reasons such as arthritis to narrow footwear compressing the metatarsals. Whatever the reason it makes everyday walking uncomfortable and like toothache gnaws away until you do something to help! Each metatarsal should take the load equally, except the first one beneath the big toe which takes double the load through two little extra bones called Sessamoids. Perhaps due to some change to the structure of the foot one or two of the metatarsals take an extra load causing pain and a tell tale callous formation on the sole of the foot corresponding to the increased load. Sometimes the fatty pad that protects the metatarsal heads is thinner than normal—people describe this pain like walking on marbles or pebbles.
What can be done to help?
There are several options that can be considered. In all cases compression of the bones of the foot should be ruled out by making sure appropriate width fittings are chosen in shoes. Just think what it would be like if someone held your hand in a strong handshake all day, then remember what can happen with narrow shoes to the metatarsal bones !
(See ‘Ball of Foot pain’ in the Catalogue) to purchase comfortable metatarsal bands with silicone gel incorporated to prevent that walking on marbles feeling. Alternatively one our most popular items is the silicone three-quarter insole which also supports the arch helping to offload the ball of the foot as well as cushion it. (Do make sure you have a little extra room in your shoes to accommodate this insole) If room in the shoe is a real problem, 3mm PPT shock absorbing insoles can help too.
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