February is known for many things, like Valentines’ Day, American Heart Month, and Library Lovers Month. Perhaps one of the biggest national observances in February, though, is National Black History Month. This is a time not to just remember black men and women’s contributions to history, but to highlight and celebrate them. One way you can dig into this month is by visiting the Houston Museum of African American Culture and appreciating the art there.

Of course, if you have metatarsalgia, spending all day on your feet probably doesn’t sound fun. Fortunately, metatarsalgia home remedies can help relieve the ache and let you walk around pain-free.

Metatarsalgia is a general name for ball of the foot pain. Many different issues can cause it, from wearing the wrong shoes to simple daily wear and tear. The good news is that, in most cases, conservative care is very effective for managing this condition. Here are a few metatarsalgia home remedies you can try for yourself:

• Rest – Take a break from activities that have you standing a lot. Spend more time resting with your feet up.
• Ice – Massage the ball of your foot with ice. This helps reduce inflammation and swelling.
• Change Shoes – Wear shoes with plenty of padding, midfoot support, and lower heels. Avoid thin-soled shoes, since they offer little protection, and high heels, since they put pressure on your forefoot.
• Wear Pads – Add some extra padding if your shoes don’t have enough. Metatarsal pads go right under the ball of your foot to absorb pressure and shock.
• Consider Support – Your feet might need more support. If your shoes are not enough, you may need orthotics to stabilize the midfoot and distribute your body weight more evenly, as well as cushion the forefoot.

If you continue to struggle with metatarsalgia symptoms, you should have the ball of your foot examined by our staff at Parker Foot & Ankle to check for injuries. You don’t have to let foot pain get in the way of living life or enjoying culture, like a day at the museum. Let our experts help you feel better. Use our web request form to ask for an appointment time at our Houston office. You can also call (281) 497-2850.