Painful feet

[waltekar]

Help! It's killing me to walk. The balls of my feet are becoming more and more painful. I have hard skin on the bottom, which I regularly remove with a foot file, but it doesn't seem to be getting better. Should I see a Chiropodist or a Podiatrist? What's the difference anyway?
Thanks.

[4getmenot]

you can get that stuff I keep seeing it on telly to repair all cracked and sore heels. Cant think of the name, go into your chemist and ask if they know.

[Ethel]

This is a common complaint, but there are many causes.

The name for pain in this area is metatarsalgia , should you wish to 'google' it.

I doubt your hard skin is causing the pain as you are removing it. If changing your footwear makes no difference, I suggest you see your GP first. It could be arthritis or gout, for example.
Once your GP is satisfied there is no underlying health problem, then a chiropodist may help your feet to feel more comfortable.

There is absolutely no difference between a Chiropodist and a Podiatrist.

[waltekar]

Thank you both.
Different footwear does seem to make a difference. At the weekend I always wear flat shoes and it isn't so bad, but come Monday when I have to wear (low) heels, it is murder.
I will Google metatarsalgia and probably see my GP as well as it is getting me down.
Thanks again.

[Floella]

It sounds like your heels are tipping your balance forward so you are taking all your weight on the balls of your feet. My feet get sore after a night of dancing. Have you tried those "party feet" or whatever they're called to take the pressure off the balls of your tootsies.

[dot.hawkes]

Purchase a set of the gel partty feet from boots, they are a moulded gel half insole with one textured side that goes face down in the front of your shoe, and a smooth side that faces upwards, cool them in the freezer before u wear them and if you are out for any lehgth of time, slip them out of your shoe, run them under the cold tap , pat them dry and pop them back in your shoes, instant foot relief.

[waltekar]

These gel party feet sound really good, but I want to know what is really causing this problem and can I get rid of it permanently.