I was having trouble with the balls of my feet too. I found that wearing a pair of (ugly) Crocs helped a lot. I guess it's the thick cushioning on the soles.

Hope you feel better.

Nancy

I am already wearing the ugly crocs (mine are pink) and have been for a couple of years,lol, maybe that's the problem and its time for new shoes (maybe purple this time). I really love and am attached to the ridiculously ugly pink crocs, lol!

Ladies - I got this off eHow just a moment ago - I hope it helps - I had this malady along with gout and oh brother, does it ever make one feel POORLY




Metatarsalgia typically occurs when an excess of weight and pressure is applied to the metatarsals, the bones that run from the arch of the foot to the toe joints, catching the nerves that run between the bones. As such, those who are physically active (especially runners) or who have a high arch in their foot can cause pressure to shift on one or more individual metatarsal, causing inflammation and pain.

Other factors include obesity, poorly fitted shoes and a number of other foot conditions that can cause a shift in pressure, such as bunions and hammertoes. Morton's neuroma, a noncancerous growth of fibrous tissue around a nerve can emulate symptoms associated with metatarsalgia, can contribute to the stress placed on the metatarsals. This is more common in runners and those who wear ill-fitting shoes or high heels.

Symptoms include pain around the toes and ball of the foot that can be sharp, burning, aching, or shooting. This pain is exacerbated by walking or running, as well as by walking barefoot on a hard surface. Some patients might even feel as if they're walking around with a pebble in their shoe. The symptoms typically develop over time, though they have been known to occur without warning. While it is recommended you visit a doctor should the pain continue despite treatment or get worse, more often than not the condition can be treated at home.


At-Home Treatment



The best way to treat metatarsalgia is to simply rest the affected foot. Ceasing all high-impact activity is suggested, though low-impact exercises such as swimming or cycling are recommended as alternatives.

In addition to rest, simple stretching exercises and applying ice to the affected area several times a day for about twenty minutes at a time can help alleviate pain and decrease the inflammation.

Wearing properly-fitted shoes or employing the use of arch supports, metatarsal pads, and shock-absorbing insoles can help prevent excess pressure from being placed on the foot, as well as controlling motion. Rigid arch supports made of plastic or carbon fiber are designed to control the motion of the foot and may be used in conjunction with metatarsal pads.



Read more: http://www.ehow.com/way_5184735_metatarsalgia-relief.html#ixzz2ZbIBsGnt

Bluedogs2, thank you for the information. That is very helpful!

My Pleasure

Have fun and Be well

Bluedogs2

I found some Danskins exercise walkers (sandals) at Walmart one time that's the only thing I could wear when I had that problem. Lots of give and cushion and anatomical correct foot bed. They had them in black and white only and very very ugly.
But it got me through, could not have walked without them.

Littlemac, thanks for the tip. At this point ugly, ugly, ugly, ugly shoes would be fine if they were comfortable!

Hi Twylah, I am glad to hear that you are feeling pretty good today. There seems to always be a monkey wrench thrown into the pot on those days that we can say we feel pretty good and something else is bothering us. Have you tried Fipflops? It is a brand of flip flops without the L in it f-i-p. They are really comfortable and contour to your feet. I got a pair online and I am constantly in them. Little pricey but worth it. I also had a podiatrist tell me when I had painful ankles that I should always wear at least a one inch heel even in the house. That has helped and no more ankle pain. I really hope your feet feel better soon. If not I would be seeing a podiatrist for some suggestions. Feel better real soon my dear and let us know the update on that.

I am very happy to report that I got some new shoes that are really helping with the pain in the balls of my feet. They are Teva hiking sandals and they were expensive, $80.00, but my feet feel so much better that I am calling it money well spent. I also found some ice packs at Dollar Tree that are meant for your wrist (they Velcro around) but work well on your feet. I appreciate the articles and concern very much! I'm pretty sure it's metatarsalis from what I read and I will be sure and tell my rheumatologist at my next appointment.

UGLY SHOES RULE!!!!

>;-}

mttazzie - I sure miss how pretty I felt in my gorgeous 4" heels - but I have to agree with you now that UGLY SHOES RULE indeed!! Everything I wear now, head to toe - is comfort first - and if it's ugly, well so be it! : )

my favorites are Birkenstock, but I can't wear open toes to work, and the clogs are too hot right now grrrrrr

mttazzie ..haaaaaa ugly shoes DO rule ..... i kept a few pairs of my "pretty " shoes just to remind myself that on the inside i still sorta feel feminine...got a short haricut yesterday cause hair is falling out and well now i look like a boy with ta ta "s ..but when i look at my pretty dress shoes from the past i think ahhhh im still in here somewhere..but have to admittt...i loovveee my merel sandals ..and my stand by crocs ... :) dont know how good they would look with a dress though !

When I was still teaching, and on my feet all day, I had the same problem. I found that my Birkenstocks saved me. Not the usual ones with the hard cork innersole, but the ones with a cushiony lining over the cork. Thinking about it now, I realize that it must have been the arch support that helped. I wore them all of the time, even winter with socks (they're sandals). I still wear them most days.

I agree. It is all about comfort these days, not so much style.

I wear only Keen sandals. They have a covered toe, lots of room for your toes, and a shock-absorbing but also supportive sole. I wear them to the office and no one has said anything except that they look comfortable.