subject: Don't Ruin Your Vacation – Treat Pain in the Balls of Your Feet Before Leaving Home [print this page] Don't Ruin Your Vacation Treat Pain in the Balls of Your Feet Before Leaving Home
Pain in the balls of your feet can make it difficult to travel. When it hurts to walk or you're experiencing soreness as you move your feet, it can be hard to get through airports, to travel destinations, and to simply enjoy the experience of your vacation. Travel can put a tremendous load on your feet, exasperating pain and making your feet even more tired. When a foot problem gets even worse on the road a vacation can be ruined.
If you are concerned you might be dealing with one of the following conditions, check out the pre-vacation checklist below for some treatment suggestions and make sure that pain in the balls of your feet don't interfere your travel plans. These are some of the most common causes of pain in the balls of the feet:
Metatarsalgia: this is a general term used to denote a painful foot condition in the area just before the toes, with pain in the ball of the foot extending out from the bottom of the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th toe area or isolated near the big toe.
Neuroma: this pain is usually in the forefoot, which is the area just below the ball of the foot. The nature of the pain might be shooting, burning, stabling, radiating, or just an odd feeling in that area.
Sesamoiditis: This is just below the big toe, known as the first metatarsal head. These bones are prone to overuse and inflammation.
Callus: A callus is a thickening of skin, often found under the ball of the foot. It can cause significant painmuch like a having a rock in your shoe.
Pre-Vacation Checklist for Pain in the Balls of Feet
The good news is that pain in the balls of your feet is usually treatable through a conservation approach, which can be done before travel and as a means of prevention for anyone in your family. Here is your pre-vacation checklist to alleviating pain in the balls of your feet:
Come prepared. If you suspect your feet problems are going to worsen or if you're experiencing any foot pain at all visit your local podiatrist and get the support you need before you're in the middle of your vacation.
Wear an arch support: An arch support transfers the force off the ball of your foot and makes walking more comfortable. A good arch support will have enough cushion power that it won't collapse. One to try is the Powerstep Full Length Arch Support.
Try sandals with an arch support. If you're going to a tropical location or even if you just want more support while at home or in your hotel, an arch support in a sandal is the ticket. It will help decrease pressure off the ball of your foot. The Wave Flip Flop sandal is a recommended choice.
Cushion your feet with a silicone product. Your feet will love a tremendous amount of cushioning and walking will feet more comfortable. Two great devices for cushioning the balls of the feet are the Silipos Metatarsal Gel Strap and the Silipos SoftSock.
Treat calluses early. Calluses cause pain under the ball of the foot by increasing pressure. If you have calluses or dry skin under the ball of your feet, bring callus cream with you. Try Hydrostat Cream, Artemus Callus Smoother, and Gilden Tree Terra Cotta 2-Sided Footscrubber and Callus Remover.
Don't live with pain under the balls of your feet while you're on vacation. For the most effective and long-lasting treatment, make an appointment to see a podiatrist.
