When you’re searching for the best relief for foot pain, the first step is identifying exactly where and why your feet hurt. We have covered one of the most common causes, Plantar Fasciitis, in another post. Two other troublesome areas are the ball of the foot and the side of the foot.
Pain At The Ball Of Your Foot
If you’ve ever felt a burning pain in the ball of your foot or the sensation of walking on a pebble, you may be dealing with metatarsalgia. This condition affects the tissue between the arch and the toes. It often appears after overuse, poorly fitted shoes, or mild sports injuries.
The pain may not be serious, but it can still interrupt your day. Finding fast relief matters.
Start by elevating your foot and icing the inflamed area. Both steps reduce swelling and help calm irritated tissue. Adding padded or gel insoles to properly fitted shoes can also make walking easier.
Massage of the metatarsal ligament can improve flexibility and ease deeper muscle tension. This spot can be hard to treat on your own, so a professional foot massage is often the best option.
Pain Along The Side Of Your Foot
Pain on the outer edge of your foot, without obvious bruising, may indicate Peroneal Tendonitis. The peroneal tendons run from the calf, down the outside of your foot, and around the heel. They support the tiny bones and muscles that guide foot movement. Repetitive strain—especially from running—can irritate these tendons and create small tears.
Most mild cases heal with time and rest.
The best relief includes rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Massage helps move fluid and oxygen through the tissue, reducing stiffness and easing pain.
If swelling is severe or the pain does not improve within a few days, consult a doctor. Some cases require medication or temporary immobilization.
Keeping Your Feet Pain-free
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, as the saying goes, and avoiding injury in the first place is best, if possible. Keeping the joints, muscles, and ligaments of your feet and ankles flexible and strong will reduce the likelihood of damage in strenuous situations. Daily stretches and exercises, like the ones you will find here, will give your feet the best chance to stay healthy, and may help with rehabilitation if you should incur an injury (always follow the advice of your doctor or physiotherapist.) And, of course, properly fitted and supportive footwear is a must.
Although these conditions may not be a great threat to your health overall, the impact on your daily life could still be significant. Naturally you will want to find the best relief for your foot pain as quickly as possible.
The massage specialists at Easy Cozy Wellness in Nanaimo, British Columbia, are trained in the gentle and effective art of foot massage. They know just how to work those tense and sore tendons, muscles, and joints to help you find the best relief for the foot pain you are experiencing. Book your appointment today and find your relief.
References:
- Mayo Clinic: Metatarsalgis – Symptoms and Causes https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/metatarsalgia/symptoms-causes/syc-20354790#:~:text=Metatarsalgia%20(met%2Duh%2Dtahr,too%20tight%20or%20too%20loose
- Physiopedia: Peroneal Tendinopathy https://www.physio-pedia.com/Peroneal_Tendinopathy