Feet have 26 bones, 33 joints and hundreds of ligaments, muscles and nerves, according to the Mayo Clinic. Due to the complexity of feet, pain can occur anywhere along the foot, including the Achilles tendon on the back of the heel. Depending on the underlying cause of the foot pain, many treatments exist, including conservative treatments that involve using products that can be bought at a pharmacy or drug store.
Metatarsal Pads
The metatarsal area of the foot is the area right behind the toes; it is also known as the ball of the foot. Pain in this area is called metatarsalgia, says foot.com, and is usually felt under the second, third and fourth metatarsal heads, or toes. The pain may also be only under the big toe, or first metatarsal. Metatarsalgia usually causes inflammation because of prolonged pressure on the area, but this condition is treatable. If ill-fitting footwear is the cause, changing the shoes can make a noticeable difference. Metatarsal pads also help relieve the pressure on the ball of the foot and provide extra cushioning to relieve the pain. Some orthotics have metatarsal pads built in; there are also get metatarsal cushions and bandages available, according to foot.com.
Orthotics
Orthotics, also known as insoles or shoe inserts, are products that are placed into shoes or sneakers to aid in proper foot functioning, according to footminders.com. Abnormal foot biomechanics can cause problems like overpronation--when the feet turn in too much--heel spurs and plantar fasciitis, all of which can cause foot pain. Orthotics help straighten out the foot when walking or running, lessening the added stress of abnormal foot positioning. They differ from shoe insoles that come with shoes because they distribute weight more effectively and are specially designed to realign the foot into its proper position. Different orthotics exist for different foot problems, including those for heel pain; these can be bought in a store or specially made through a podiatrists' or orthopedic office.
Bunion Products
Bunions, medically known as Hallux valgus, are bumps that form on the inside of the foot near the joint of the big toe, says foot.com. These bumps are bone protrusions and can cause inflammation, pain, and even cause toes to overlap. This condition can be caused by arthritis, but a common cause of bunions are shoes that do not fit properly, especially tight and narrow shoes like high heels. Bunions can also contribute to trouble walking because of the pain they cause. Products for bunions that are designed to relieve pain include bunion night splints, bunion shields and bunion bandages. These can help slow down the progression of bunions and ease discomfort.
