Facts About Metatarsalgia Treatment

Being able to move around comfortably is an advantage that you seldom stop to think about. You may ignore the pinch like pain at the end of your foot most of the time. But it gets harder and harder to dismiss once the pain worsens and feels akin to a deep bruise. It can also spread to the front of your foot especially at the position where your toes join the surface.

These are symptoms of a condition known as metatarsalgia. While the most commonly affected part happens to be the second metatarsal or the digit that adjoins the big toe, the condition can be observed in any of the other metatarsals or many of them at the same time. Knowing the causes of this condition can help to prevent it becoming an issue.

Tips to minimize the pain:

Here are some tested and tried tips to follow in order to stop aggravating the problem:

• Wear plain, flat shoes that have enough room for the entire foot to fit in properly
• Opt for shoes that come with cushioned insoles
• Use a silicone gel equipped toe loop to shelter the painful metatarsal
• Keep the calluses trimmed and softened on the affected area by taking adequate care
• Alter your lifestyle in order to prevent injuring the feet
• Use ice on the affected area for relief at the end of a hard day
• Take oral anti-inflammatory medication that can be bought over the counter.

It is advisable to visit a podiatrist as early as possible in order to treat the condition before it affects your mobility.

A medical professional is sure to attempt a number of non invasive methods for resolving the condition. You may have to use specialized foot orthotics along with metatarsal pads to keep the area protected 24/7.

Physiotherapeutic measures will also help you to lessen the pain. The podiatrist will also administer cortisone injections to keep the inflammation in check. There are a few risks associated with cortisone injections so it is best to opt for a cast, which allows the metatarsals to rest and heal properly.

However, complete reversal can only be achieved with surgery. The Podiatric Surgeon may conduct multiple surgeries on the affected area at once. The procedure may include bunion surgery and repair of the hammer toe, along with realignment of the associated bones. This can be done in an outpatient setting in a minimal amount of time.

It is mandatory to rest the foot afterward so that the area heals properly. Complete recovery usually takes 3 to 6 months, and the procedure has a 75% success rate.