Metatarsalgia refers to pain and inflammation in the forefoot which can result because of an injury. There will be pressure, swelling, and pain in the foot. The pain and swelling restrict movement of the patients further alleviating cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Systemic diseases such as diabetes can add further to the damage. The pressure points on the foot can erupt into ulcerations in diabetic patients. Especially athletes who take part in running or jumping are at increased risk of developing metatarsalgia. Consult your doctor when you see diabetic ulcerations.
Link Between Metatarsalgia And Diabetes
Among metabolic diseases, diabetes can cause more damage to the metatarsal bones. Gastrocnemius muscle and triceps surae are the two calf muscles. Contraction of Gastrocnemius muscle prevents normal dorsiflexion. The condition can be seen in people who are involved in high impact physical activities and also with chronic foot conditions. Adequate measures and steps should be taken in people with diabetes as it can result in the diabetic foot. Gastrocnemius muscle contraction is one of the reasons for metatarsalgia and diabetic foot.
In people who are suffering from diabetes, the pressure points developed during metatarsalgia can cause an eruption of open sores or ulcerations resulting in diabetic feet. Orthotics can be helpful in reducing such pressure points. High sugar levels can also result in diabetic neuropathic pain.
Doctors prescribe anti-inflammatory medications such as Ibuprofen to reduce the symptoms of pain. The structural deformities have to be corrected to reduce the pain. Footwear orthotics can be a great help to relieve pressure on the metatarsals and also for preventing abnormal collapsing of the arch. The footwear should be such that it uniformly distributes weight and pressure. The designer footwear does not consider the development of pressure points in the toes and ball of the foot which predisposes the individuals to metatarsalgia. Take all the medications and treatment under medical supervision. Of course a massage will help in improving the circulation of blood which relieves swelling and reduces pain.
Metatarsalgia
In the U.S., metatarsalgia is a common medical condition observed in athletes who perform high impact sports activities. The professional athletes of not only running and jumping category but also tennis, football, baseball, and soccer players experience forefoot injuries.
The word metatarsalgia refers to pain in metatarsals. People suffering from metatarsalgia often experience pain and inflammation in the forefoot. Metatarsalgia cannot be called a disease but it is a group of symptoms. The condition arises because of overuse of the ball of the foot. The activities such as running and jumping put pressure on the forefoot resulting in pain. Apart from the physical activities people suffering from foot deformities also experience pain in metatarsals. The wearing of too tight or too loose shoes puts stress on the foot resulting in forefoot pain.
It is not a serious medical condition which requires immediate medical attention, but of course immediate attention can help in improving your movements and day-to-day activities. Simple home remedies such as applying ice to the aching area, taking adequate rest, use of accurate size footwear, use of shock-absorbing insoles or arch supports can help in alleviating the pain and prevent the problems associated with metatarsalgia.
Like all the body parts Foot and ankle health is equally important in maintaining health and vitality of the individuals. The foot is the weight-bearing region and any injuries to this part make the movement difficult affecting the musculoskeletal system. There will not be any physical activity because of the agonizing pain and the patients tend to sit at one place to avoid further damage and pain to the forefoot. But, this turns out to be quite dangerous for people who suffer from metabolic diseases. Physical activity is the key to healthy life. Many diseases such as blood, pressure, diabetes, and weight can be control and maintained with the physical activity.
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