These supplements are widely used to rebuild damaged joints in osteoarthritis, and common sense tells me they might be helpful in your case and mine, although I've found nothing to suggest that so far.
In any case, they are sold over-the-counter, and might be worth a try to strengthen and rebuild the damaged connective tissue. I'm strongly considering trying them. Several books on arthritis in Barnes & Noble discussed important things to look for in buying this supplement, unfortunately I didn't have a pen with me today.
The podiatrist I linked earlier said:
Quote:
Metatarsalgia of the 2nd metatarsal bone and predislocation syndrome in general are terrible problems. There are no easy solutions if a cortisone injection or two do not help you. And obviously a cortisone injection by and of itself in the absence of changing something, is not likely to work.
Metatarsalgia |
Mayo clinic says:
Quote:
Complications
Left untreated, metatarsalgia may lead to:
- Injury to ligaments in the foot
- Pain in other parts of the same or opposite foot
- Toe problems
- Chronic stiffness
- Loss of range of motion
In some cases, metatarsalgia may contribute to a condition known as avascular necrosis — the death of bone tissue due to a lack of blood supply. Without treatment, the affected bone may collapse.
Treatment
Conservative measures usually relieve the pain of metatarsalgia.
Rest. Protect your foot from further injury by not stressing it. You may need to avoid your favorite sport for a while, but you can stay fit with low-impact exercises, such as swimming and cycling. Continue with stretching and lower body strength training as your pain permits.
Ice the affected area. Apply ice packs to the affected area for 15 to 20 minutes at a time, several times a day. To protect your skin, wrap the ice packs in a thin towel.
Take an over-the-counter pain reliever. Try ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen (Aleve) or aspirin to reduce pain and inflammation.
Wear proper shoes. Your doctor may recommend a shoe that's especially suited for your foot type, your stride and your particular sport.
Try shock-absorbing insoles. These off-the-shelf shoe inserts — often made of cork, plastic, rubber or a gel-like substance — fit inside your shoes to help cushion shock.
Use metatarsal pads. These off-the-shelf pads are placed in your shoes just ahead of the metatarsal bone to help deflect stress away from the painful area.
Consider arch supports. If insoles don't help, your doctor may recommend arch supports to minimize stress on the metatarsal bones and improve foot function. Off-the-shelf arch supports come in various sizes and can be fitted immediately. More durable arch supports can be custom-made from a plaster cast of your foot.
Rigid arch supports are made of a firm material such as plastic or carbon fiber. They're designed to control motion in two major foot joints below your ankles. Semirigid arch supports are made of softer materials such as leather and cork reinforced by silicone. Arch supports designed to treat metatarsalgia may include metatarsal pads, too.
Metatarsalgia - MayoClinic.com |
Loss of range of motion in your foot has many spin-offs in other parts of your body, so doing what it takes to preserve foot function is well worth the effort, it seems to me.
I currently have little more than 0 degrees of dorsiflexion in my right big toe--supposed to have about 60 degrees. Doesn't seem like a big deal, but walking is my favorite exercise, and I don't have normal "push off strength" any more. Anything that affects your gait affects your whole musculoskeletal system.
You did me a big favor by bringing up your foot issues, Angela, because it started me looking into and taking seriously my own. That "nagging little thing" I have actually has a name and should have been looked after long ago! Yikes! Thanks!
Megan