Metatarsalgia aka ball of foot pain. Help?!
Question: The day after my team ran a hard 10 X 400 workout, the ball of my foot started hurting a lot when I put pressure on it walking to class. I looked up my symptoms and it looks like I have Metatarsalgia. I'm really worried because our season starts next Monday and I need to keep training. None of the sites really pinpoint how long the recovery time is. Does anyone with experience know how long this takes to heal? Also, lately, I've been taking anti imflammatorys when I come home and icing it (20 minutes on, 20 minutes off, for whenever I can) and walking on the outside of my foot to avoid putting pressure on it. Does anyone have any other tips?
Thanks in advance! I appreciate it.
*This same question is under the Running category, but I wasn't getting any responses, so I decided to try here :)
Answers: The day after my team ran a hard 10 X 400 workout, the ball of my foot started hurting a lot when I put pressure on it walking to class. I looked up my symptoms and it looks like I have Metatarsalgia. I'm really worried because our season starts next Monday and I need to keep training. None of the sites really pinpoint how long the recovery time is. Does anyone with experience know how long this takes to heal? Also, lately, I've been taking anti imflammatorys when I come home and icing it (20 minutes on, 20 minutes off, for whenever I can) and walking on the outside of my foot to avoid putting pressure on it. Does anyone have any other tips?
Thanks in advance! I appreciate it.
*This same question is under the Running category, but I wasn't getting any responses, so I decided to try here :)
It does sound like metatarsalgia. Since you've read into it a bit, maybe you noticed that the main cause is improperly fitting shoes, and/or the need for orthotics? It would be best if you can go to a Sports Medicine Doctor or athletic trainer and have him/her check out the way your shoes fit, and if necessary, prescribe orthotics - these can run several hundred dollars, but they are worth it - we're talking getting rid of your pain, preventing it from recurring in the future, and boosting your performance. Often times, athletic trainers at universities can get really great deals on orthotics for you.
In the mean time, there are cheaper versions of orthotics in about any store (grocery store, walmart-style, whatever) that can help the pain - but don't really solve the ultimate problem of the footwear that you train in. Look for something that has a 'metatarsal pad' in order to cushion that area and speed recovery.
Another thing of note is that it isn't a good idea to temporarily change your gait. Realize that in not walking normally, you are strengthening muscles that are not meant to be strengthened. This can cause you problems in the future with your ankles, knees, hips, etc. because they are being pulled out of alignment. Always practice good body mechanics. :)
So to clarify, make an appointment with one of those specialists and go to the store and buy a cheap set of metatarsal cushioning orthotics to put in your day-to-day shoes so you don't have to walk abnormally until you can get to the doc/trainer.
Love your profile pic, btw.
You need to have good shoes. And your doing right by icing it and putting less pressure on it. But u need to give your feet a break, no running for a few days. The healing time will be shorter if you give them a break. If not your only going to aggravate the inflammation and could cause more damage equaling more pain.