When your second metatarsal bone, the one on the front of your foot, starts to give out, it means that you have a joint problem. This is a common bone problem that causes pain and instability when walking or running. Most runners and walkers realize that they cannot run or walk very well without this joint. The first thing you must do to relieve the pain is to see a foot care doctor.
The pain from a metatarsal tendonitis comes from a tight ligament. Usually tight ligaments cause inflammation, but sometimes the ligament is simply put back into place due to scar tissue building up over time. When this happens, there is a loss of flexibility in the joint, which causes pain and instability. If you are having pain when running or walking, you should check to see if there is an injury to the ligament of the metatarsal.
A ligament injury is not the only cause of pain in the foot. Sometimes runners injure their toes, ankles, or even their knees by landing on a bad surface. Even people who are big and strong can be hurt by a poor cut of a golf ball or some other play. Runners often use orthotic insoles to help avoid this type of injury. If you wear an orthotic, the pain from a running surface will decrease because the shock of landing will be absorbed by the shoe instead of by the toes.
Many runners also have pain in their forefeet, which is caused by the weight of the feet pulling down the inner side of the foot. A similar syndrome is called carpal tunnel syndrome. With these problems, the ligament is simply compressed, causing pain. So if you have pain in your foot, you should try wearing an orthotic that compresss the ligament.
Runners with repetitive stress injuries of the metatarsal tendons almost always have pain below the metatarsus. This is caused by the repetitive pounding on the feet that occurs when running. The pain can range from mild to excruciating. Any area of irritation needs to be treated by a doctor.
A runner with tendonitis usually feels pain below the ball of the foot. Runners with plantar fasciitis often feel pain around the arch of the foot, which causes a runner to slide forward. These runners can also experience pain around the heel of the foot or anywhere in between the toes.
A runner with a viral infection of the foot may also experience severe pain under the heel or at the ball of the foot. It usually occurs after a runner has been immobile for a period of time. The pain tends to worsen as the day wears on. In order to avoid this type of pain runners should make sure to walk around at the beginning of the workout.
There are many different ways to treat the pain associated with a second metatarsal fracture. Since the pain occurs at the base of the first metatarsal bone, the most common treatment involves ice. Ice therapy works by reducing inflammation and swelling in the area. Physical therapists can provide instruction on stretching exercises that can also help to reduce the pain. It’s important that a runner seek medical attention if the pain worsens after a day of rest.
Some runners find that using arch supports while running helps to reduce the pain. Arch supports work by extending the runner’s knees and hips while pushing the lower part of the foot into the air. This will reduce the stress on the lower back and provide support to the ankle, hips, and legs.
Many runners turn to a podiatrist for help when they have trouble wearing their support footwear. A runner can get a specialized orthotic that is designed to help correct problems with the front and side foot. These orthotics are made from gel that conforms to the shape of the foot. Some runners choose to wear orthotics with a built-in spring.
Preventative measures should include warm-up and stretching exercises and a balanced diet. It’s important for runners to always be sure to properly form their feet. They should also warm up their feet prior to running by taking a few steps on a treadmill or elliptical machine. Wearing proper support shoes, including custom made orthotics, can go a long way in preventing runners from suffering from painful metatarsal fractures.