How is it treated?
The type of treatment you will receive for metatarsalgia depends on the cause and severity of your pain. You can try out conservative methods like staying off your feet, changing your footwear, and using an orthotic pad in your shoe to reduce the pain.
You can try the following remedies at home to reduce the pain:
- Resting your foot
- Icing your foot a few times per day, 20 minutes at a time
- Raising your foot after activity
- Using an over-the-counter pain reliever to reduce the pain and inflammation
- Losing weight if you’re overweight
You can reduce pain associated with metatarsalgia by replacing your shoes with a well-fitting pair with proper support. It would help to avoid wearing high-heeled shoes. Take a break from high-impact sports or physical activities that involve exerting excess pressure on your foot. Try other exercises such as cycling or swimming, which are low impact exercises.
Your doctor may recommend working with a physical therapist. They will provide a range-of-motion exercises and exercises that strengthen muscles around your foot. Your therapist will also help you correct your gait.