Avoiding foot pain as soon as it begins is the best way to prevent expensive surgeries later on. Even though many people pay no attention to foot pain for long periods, pretending that the pain isn’t there or wishing it would fix itself are inadequate responses to the foot pain conundrum. With few changes to the way feet are treated, pain can be a thing of the past. Here are a few reasons why ball of foot pain occurs, how to treat foot problems such as Achilles tendonitis, and how minor changes, for instance using insoles for high heels, can help.
Foot Mechanics: The Evils of High-Heeled Shoes and Metatarsalgia
High heels can cause an array of problems for feet. From the tight toe box (the region around the front of the foot) to the angle of incline, these shoes can permanently damage muscles, nerves, and bones in the feet. First, when narrowing of the feet is forced, as it does in a high heeled shoe, the mid-foot and toe areas are forced into an unnatural position. The tendons, muscles, and ligaments are strained into a much smaller space than what the foot requires. Over time, nerves become squashed, blood flow is decreased to areas of the foot (particularly in the toes) and painful foot issues develop.
How a Foot Massage Can Ease Achilles Tendonitis
Massage is a great method for soothing aching and sore feet. The mild movement of the muscle fibers brings vital blood to the affected areas. Massage also carries healing, oxygen-rich blood into the affected foot. Once muscles are relaxed, nerve endings can begin to slow their firing and pain relief is achieved. If nerve endings and muscles are particularly irritated by a certain pair of shoes or an activity, swelling will be present. In that case, it is advised to use ice packs or frozen vegetables to decrease inflammation. Elevating the feet higher than the heart during this time is also very useful in allowing the excess fluids to be carried away from the foot.
Stretching Can Ease Foot Pain in More Than One Way
Chronic Achilles tendonitis can really put a sour note in anyone’s day. The tightening of this vital tendon can cause cramping in the lower leg. It can also be a major contributor to becoming so short that it eventually tears. The way to elongate the tendon’s structure in order to lessen pain is to direct gentle stretching to the affected part. Seated on the floor, your legs should be extended straight out in front of you. Then, gently lean the upper body forward and your hamstring will be engaged in a stretch. Now that the legs are warmed up, softly coax the feet towards the head to focus the stretch onto your Achilles tendon. Hold the stretch for about 30-45 seconds, rest for one minute, and repeat 5 times.
Massage, Stretch and Insoles For High Heel Shoes Can Prevent Painful Foot Conditions
In today’s world where shoes must look good (not feel good), lack of willingness to buy more comfortable shoes can lead to disaster. However, with the use of high heel insoles, ball of foot pain can be effectively relieved. It is advisable to select shoes with low-profile heels and with a wider-profile heel such as a wedge to avoid future metatarsalgia. If the end of the day brings foot discomfort, consider changing to flat dress shoes for 3 days out of the week to allow the feet to receive maximum blood flow which will help feet heal in between wearing higher heels. Be sure to rub feet and stretch them to encourage maximum blood flow to the feet.
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