FOREFOOT PAIN
Whether you’ve run the marathon or paraded the runways of the spring carnival, forefoot pain can often be the unwanted result of all your efforts.
Radiating pain in the front of the foot can be caused by repeated prolonged activity, compression, poor footwear or underlying functional issues. It comes in various presentations due to its underlying cause and can seriously disrupt both training and lifestyle.
Repeated pressure on the front of the foot from activities like long distance running or prolonged standing and walking in heels can put excess load on the metatarsal bones. This can lead to a condition known as a stress reaction or fracture where the long bones become thinner, painful, and more likely to crack in certain areas. They often feel more painful the longer we stand or walk, and continue to throb at the end of the day even when we are off our feet.
Pain in the ball of the foot can also be the result of inflammation of various structures. Once again these can result from compression, repeated activity and poor foot function. A more common problem, known as Morton’s Neuroma, is the result of friction and irritation to the nerves in the front part of the foot. It normally feels like a burning and shooting pain, commonly affecting the third and fourth toes. Other structures, such as bursae (fluid-filled sacs between the bones of the feet) or membranes around joints, simply called joint capsules, can also become inflamed for similar reasons. These are often at their worst when we first put weight on them in the morning, and sometimes improve during the course of the day.
Although these are some of the more common reasons we can experience forefoot pain, there are many and various issues that can affect this small but hard-working part of our feet! A thorough assessment by a podiatrist is very important in order to determine the correct diagnosis and apply the best and most effective treatment for you.
If you have any issues with forefoot pain, please call our clinic on 94805522 to arrange an appointment with one of our clinicians, or simply book online.