This Sunday, August 3rd at 8:00 AM is the Bike Houston Bayou Ride. This is a slower ride designed for people at all skill levels. You should make sure your feet are in good shape, because biking with metatarsalgia or another foot condition can be very painful and frustrating. Take good care of your feet and you won’t have to worry about missing out on all the fun.

Metatarsalgia is a condition that affects the ball of your foot. You may experience pain and inflammation. It is usually caused by a sudden increase in physical activity without gradually building up to the greater intensity. However, shoes that don’t fit your feet properly can also cause this problem. If you feel burning, aching, or a sharp pain in the ball of your foot that gets worse when you use it, you might be suffering from this condition. Thankfully, this is a foot problem that is relatively easy to treat and doesn’t require invasive intervention.

The most important thing you can do for your foot is to let it rest. Resting promotes healing, partly because it prevents any further injury from occurring. You can always switch to swimming or something that doesn’t require the use of your feet as much. Ice is also good for easing your pain and helping with any swelling that might happen. You might also consider switching your shoes to a pair that offers more support. Something with a stiffer sole and superior cushioning under your toes could benefit bikers. There are also a number of different shoe inserts that can provide support or cushioning. For instance, arch supports, shock-absorbing insoles, and metatarsal pads can all offer much needed relief. We may also prescribe an anti-inflammatory medication to help with pain and swelling.

For more information on treating metatarsalgia call Dr. Robert Parker at (281) 497-2850 to schedule an appointment at Parker Foot & Ankle in Houston so you can get back on the road. You can also set up an appointment from our webpage.