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Working With An Orthopedist

A few years ago, I decided to take up running. I was bad at it at first, but after a few months, I got more comfortable. Unfortunately, right when I got good at running, I developed a bad pain in my left foot. At first, I decided to push past the pain, but it quickly became excruciating. I realized that it might be a good idea to talk with a doctor about my problem, and so I met with an orthopedist. He carefully watched my gait as I ran, and he decided to take some images to check out my bone health. It turned out that I had developed a stress fracture, and my doctor recommended surgery. This blog is all about ways that an orthopedist can help you, so that you can enjoy your hobbies.

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Working With An Orthopedist

Understanding the Causes of Pain in the Balls of Your Feet

by Jessie Hawkins

Have you ever felt a sharp pain in the balls of your feet that makes it difficult to walk or stand for extended periods? The pain in this area, known as metatarsalgia, is a common foot problem that can be caused by various factors. This blog post will explore the different causes of pain in the balls of your feet and provide tips on how to relieve it.

Ill-fitting Shoes:

One of the leading causes of pain in the balls of your feet is ill-fitting shoes. Shoes that are too tight, too loose, or have inadequate arch support can put pressure on the metatarsal bones in the feet. This pressure results in pain and discomfort. To avoid this, ensure that you wear shoes that fit correctly and provide ample support on the arch.

High-Impact Activities:

High-impact activities like running, jumping, and dancing can cause pain in the balls of the feet due to repeated pressure and stress on the area. If you engage in high-impact activities frequently, it's essential to wear appropriate shoes that are optimized for the said activities and provide ample cushioning to reduce the impact of the pressure on the metatarsals.

Weight gain:

Carrying excess body weight can also put pressure on the balls of your feet. The extra weight placed on the feet adds considerable pressure on the feet, particularly the metatarsal bones, resulting in pain. To reduce the impact of weight gain on the balls of your feet, you can integrate low-impact exercises, such as swimming or cycling, into your daily routine and lose weight through healthy eating.

Foot Injuries:

Any injury to the foot can cause metatarsalgia, leading to pain in the balls of your feet. Be it a sprain, fracture, or broken toe, foot injuries reduce stability in the feet and cause pain throughout the foot. It is essential to seek medical attention in case of foot injuries to speed up the healing process and reduce the chances of developing foot conditions such as metatarsalgia.

Foot Diseases:

Certain foot diseases like arthritis, gout, and Morton's neuroma can cause pain in the balls of your feet. These medical conditions cause swelling or inflammation of joints, tendons, and nerves in the feet, leading to foot pain and discomfort in different areas of the foot.

Pain in the balls of your feet can be excruciating and impact everyday activities. While it may be inevitable due to certain conditions, proper foot care can reduce the risk of metatarsalgia. Ensure that you wear well-fitting shoes, take breaks from high-impact activities, manage your body weight, seek medical attention in case of foot injuries, and manage any medical conditions that may cause foot pain. Don't ignore foot pain — take action to ensure long-term foot health.

For more information on foot pain, contact a professional near you.

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