Metatarsalgia, Queen Letizia’s disease: what it is, causes and treatment
The ailment frequently affects people who wear heels or other types of footwear that squeeze the foot. Excessive exercise can also cause this disease
Symptoms are relieved by rest and the use of proper footwear. Surgery is only recommended in some cases.
The metatarsalgia It is a disease that consists of chronic pain in the balls of the foot, the bones that join the ankle with the fingers, help us maintain balance and support the weight of the body. It has been known that Queen Letizia suffers from this ailment, which as published by El País It is due to the excessive use of high heels, something that apparently is not to his liking.
There are other possible causes, such as repeated high-impact exercises like running or jumping, or wearing shoes that are too tight or too big. The Mayo Clinic collects the following causes and warns that the origin of the disease is usually in a sum of several of them, rather than just one.
- Intense activity or training, because the forefoot absorbs considerable force when a person runs. This risk is increased if the footwear used is not suitable or is too worn.
- Certain foot shapes. An arch of the sole of the foot that is too pronounced increases the pressure on the metatarsal. The same thing happens when you have a second toe that is longer than the big toe because the metatarsus of the second bone becomes more weight-bearing.
- Foot deformities caused by wearing shoes that are too small or have high heels, such as having a toe that is bent down (hammertoe) or bumps at the base of the big toe (bunions).
- Over weight.
- Inappropriate footwear. High-heeled shoes transfer weight to the forefoot and are a common cause of metatarsalgia in women. Narrow-toed shoes or athletic shoes that don’t offer enough support and cushioning can also contribute to the problem.
- fatigue fractures. These are small bone fractures that cause pain and lead those who suffer from them to change the way they support their feet.
- Morton’s Neuroma. It is a benign tumor that causes symptoms similar to those of metatarsalgia.
Treatment
It is an annoying pain, which can be a problem to carry out certain activities, but it is not usually treated as a serious illness. The rest or the use of insoles and suitable footwear (wide and without heels) that help relieve shocks to the foot often help. When exercising, avoid putting too much pressure on the forefoot. To relieve or prevent pain, it may be advisable to stretch the calves, wear shoes with a reverse slope. It is important to differentiate when the pain is chronic, in which case it is advisable to consult a doctor, and when it is an occasional discomfort due to having performed a very intense exercise or having stood for a long time. Treatments are usually not very aggressive, although on some occasions surgery may be recommended.
Metatarsalgia can be complicated if left untreated, because changes in weight distribution from pain can lead to pain in the other foot or in other parts of the body.
In the case of Queen Letizia, in recent months it is rare to see her with a high-heeled shoe beyond the most solemn official acts. Lately it is common to see her with flat Oxford-type shoes, moccasins, with wedge espadrilles and esparto soles in different colors or with slingback court shoes with a short heel. During the holidays in Mallorca she was seen taking a walk with some flat espadrilles.
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