Running with metatarsalgia

[kittykat49]

Has anyone got any experience of running with metatarsalgia (pain in ball of foot)? I’ve managed to run with it until recently when the pain became unbearable. I feel as though i need some sort of protection to the area but don’t know what to use. I’m very active and it’s starting to affect all my activities. I have orthotics but they aren’t helping either 😞

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

That sounds painful. There is a paragraph in this article which may help.

You may get some replies here, but, as we are all so different, one person's experiences may not be the same as your own.

So, your first port of call is a Sports Physio'... or have you already seen one. You mention orthotics?

If they are not helping, then maybe seek out more advice?

I hope that you are able to get some useful advice. It is so horrible when something like this affects what you are obviously enjoying.

[Hedgehogs123 Graduate]

Hiya, I had that problem a few months ago. I went out for a run and half way round was in agony. I have very high insteps and both balls of my feet are quite pronounced which doesn't help. I wear Brooks which have always suited me, and elastic laces which again I prefer.

A fellow runner on here sent me a link for the different ways to Lace up your shoes depending on your feet conditions and there was a pattern particularly if the have hign arch which usually means pain in the ball of the foot. I've now re-laced my shoes. I started ball rolling under the ball of both feet, I got new supportive insoles and I bought supportive running socks.

Touch wood, I have been almost pain free since doing all that. I think I will always be at risk becay if my feet condition anyway, but all the above definitely helped.

[kittykat49 Graduate in reply to Hedgehogs123]

Thanks for your reply, I have high arches and wear custom made insoles that used to help but something has changed in my foot so I'm now waiting for a new pair. I'll definitely research about lace tying, sounds interesting, I don't like tying them tight as it's uncomfortable on the top of my foot.

[Hedgehogs123 Graduate in reply to kittykat49]

I haven't got it to hand, but the lacing pattern is on here somewhere as I also gave someone the link. I have my laces quite loose now and I'm sure it's helping. I'll find that link and forward to you. Worth a look.

[kittykat49 Graduate]

I've found a video about tying laces, it's made such a difference! Thanks for the suggestion.