http://marathontrainingacademy.com/how-to-self-treat-metatarsalgia

Marathon Training Academy

February 22, 2016

In this guest post for Marathon Training Academy, you will learn how to identify the potential causative factors for metatarsalgia and how to self-treat this condition so you don’t lose too much time with your training.

Metatarsalgia is a general term that refers to pain in the foot (typically around the ball of the foot). It’s common in runners, track and field athletes, and for those who participate in high impact related sports (such as basketball and soccer).  It’s also commonly associated with overuse syndrome.

Metatarsalgia is pain and irritation at the end of the metatarsal joints near the toes. Potential causes for the pain include:  a stress fracture; gout; osteoarthritis; hammertoes; calluses; and pain in the joint from swelling and irritation.  It can also be from neuromas, in which nerves tend to bundle and become irritated between the metatarsal heads.

Metatarsalgia typically begins as a mild discomfort which grows steadily and quickly to the point that a person may struggle to walk, stand, or run. The key to treatment and management of this condition is to intervene quickly and to identify the actual cause or causes that led to the pain and irritation.  Learn the potential causative factors for metatarsalgia and how to self-treat this condition so you don’t lose too much time with your training.  Continue Reading