Anyone else with metatarsalgia? (Foot pain)??

ImmyS

ImmyS

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Since breaking my ankle five years ago I have suffered with metatarsalgia, in my left foot. I get extremely severe pain in the ball of my foot, and whilst it hurts most of the time, especially working long days on my feet, it his bearable with protective metatarsal pads, however ridden it is complete agony!

I am starting to not enjoy riding due to the pain being so severe in the ball of my foot where the stirrup sits. I have tried protective padding and using the stirrups that have the rubber inserts at the side to provide some 'give' but this has made no difference. It's reallly starting to effect my riding as I'm constantly shifting my weight and foot to try and find momentary comfort!!

I am on the waiting list for an operation on my ankle which may help the foot situation, but looking for anyone that may have had experienced similar issues and whether there is any specific padding you use or stirrups that's reduces the pain?? It's really starting to get me down, and I'm hoping there are others out there who have same problem and found some solutions!

Thank you! xx
 
I went to a podiatrist who made me custom made insoles and pain was gone(when I wore insoles). Over time it improved so I don’t need insoles all the time but always in my yard boots as that’s when I’m on my feet for longest
 
I have metatarsalgia from Mortons neuroma. Seen podiatrist and hospital consultant too. Insoles do help, as does thick chiropody padding with a hole cut out where the pain centre is,over part of the ball of the foot, use cohesive bandage to keep in place but not too tight. I have been offered steroid injections but too much of a wuss to try this. I also use 10% ibruprofen gel and take strong painkillers for arthritis anyway. It gets worse with walking if I forget the insoles. I now use massage after watching brilliant help ideas on youtube and these really work.I am thinking of trying reflexology too. Riding, if it gets bad I just try and keep moving foot in stirrup to different part and not put much weight down that leg into stirrup, but I'm only a happy hacker.Hope some of these ideas help a bit.
 
limestonelil said:
I have metatarsalgia from Mortons neuroma. Seen podiatrist and hospital consultant too. Insoles do help, as does thick chiropody padding with a hole cut out where the pain centre is,over part of the ball of the foot, use cohesive bandage to keep in place but not too tight. I have been offered steroid injections but too much of a wuss to try this. I also use 10% ibruprofen gel and take strong painkillers for arthritis anyway. It gets worse with walking if I forget the insoles. I now use massage after watching brilliant help ideas on youtube and these really work.I am thinking of trying reflexology too. Riding, if it gets bad I just try and keep moving foot in stirrup to different part and not put much weight down that leg into stirrup, but I'm only a happy hacker.Hope some of these ideas help a bit.
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Thank you! The pad with the hole in sounds like an idea to try! I like to think I've got a high pain threshold but it's just getting unbearable! Willing to try anything
 
I couldn't ride a bike with my foot on the pedal, it was so painful. I got rid of it by buying very wide shoes that let my toes spread. In walking boots, I wear mens. I also knot the laces half way up my foot, so that the ball of the foot never gets held tight no matter how tight I tie the top half. In other shoes I go up a length to get the width.

Hope that might help.
 
Have you tried stirrup cages? They spread the weight over a much bigger area and negate the need for specific riding boots so you could wear what was most comfortable for you. I gave up riding in the end as the pain wasnt worth it. We drive now and I've never looked back :biggrin3:
 
I was going to suggest stirrup cages too. You can wear whatever footwear you like and you can jam your feet right in if you want to, thus taking pressure off the ball of the foot.
 
So this morning I tried trainers chaps and cage stirrups, still agony if not even more painful!! Any other suggestions before I just chop my foot off???!!
 
ImmyS said:
So this morning I tried trainers chaps and cage stirrups, still agony if not even more painful!! Any other suggestions before I just chop my foot off???!!
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Yes, I have these in all my shoes... https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/3D-Ortho...hash=item2ecad6541c:m:m394-ynqky033Hx0Sm0O_Gw

They really help with the pain as they hold your foot at a different angle, and some weight goes into the arch of your foot.

Also, BIG and wiiiiide shoes, as YCBM says. I buy men's shoes now and also do them up loosely.

I have flexi stirrups.

I also buy shoes with more the thick rubber soles rather than Ariat type soles. Thin soles are terrible, even with the insoles.

Avoid flat/flat shoes all of the time (such as ballerina pumps/cheap trainers), even with insoles. You need shoes with a small heel, not a high one and not flat. Never go barefoot, even in the house. Get contoured slippers, have insoles even in the slippers.


Do exercises daily for tight hip flexors and also achilleas, as tight tendons/ligaments will put more strain on the metatarsals.
 
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