PODIATRIST DISCUSSES METATARSALGIA

While many underlying causes of ball of foot pain resolve with rest and at-home treatments, like taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen, some need to be addressed by a doctor and treated. Otherwise, they'll get worse over time and may progress to the point that they interfere with life, says Brian Burgess, DPM, a board-certified podiatric surgeon at Illinois Bone & Joint Institute.

 

Dr. Brian Burgess

 

Wearing good footwear can help you avoid a lot of the ball-of-foot-pain culprits. Think: cushioned sneakers with arch support, not flimsy flip-flops with barely anything between your feet and the ground. Orthotics can also be helpful to wear before issues arise, Dr. Burgess says. He recommends going to a specialty running shoe store to get some advice on both shoes and orthotic inserts. "If you're at a store where they can properly fit you, more likely than not, they have quality devices that will be supportive," he says.

 

Source: Amy Marturana Winder, MSN Lifestyle [2/25/21]

Courtesy of Barry Block, editor of PM News