Your mom’s description sounds typical of Metatarsalgia, a fairly common condition affecting the weight-bearing bones in your foot (the metatarsals).
It’s more common in older people and obese people, and is exacerbated by running/walking/standing – ie any weight-bearing activity.
The most common causes of metatarsalgia are:
- Arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis)
- Poor footwear
- High impact physical activity (ie running and other activities which place additional stress on the foot)
Gout is also a possibility (this usually affects the big toe), but seems less likely given that this is a very painful condition.
Taking an anti-inflammatory painkiller (NSAID) like ibuprofen will help with the swelling. NSAIDs are also available in topical gel form from your pharmacist (eg. Fastum gel).
Other measures she could try are:
- Icing (wrap an ice pack in a towel, use for 20 minutes a few time a day)
- Rest and elevation of the foot
- Proper footwear (not tight-fitting, high heels etc). Consider seeing a podiatrist for insoles, if necessary.
If these measures don’t work to improve the swelling/pain, and her condition doesn’t get better after a week or 2, do consider seeing a doctor for a proper physical exam and treatment, which may include a steroid injection for more rapid relief.
Cheers
