#metatarsalgia

Boswellia serrata 

Shallaki,  Arbre à Encens, Arbre à Oliban Indien, Boswella, Boswellia, Boswellia serrata, Boswellie, Boswellin, Boswellin Serrata Resin, Encens Indien, Franquincienso, Gajabhakshya, Indian Olibanum, Oliban Indien, Resina Boswelliae, Ru Xiang,

“is a plant that produces Indian frankincense. It is also known as Indian oli-banum, Salai guggul, and Sallaki in Sanskrit. The plant is native to much of India and the Punjab region that extends into Pakistan.

The resin of Boswellia species has been used as incense in religious and cultural ceremonies and in medicines since time immemorial. Boswellia serrata (Salai/Salai guggul), is a moderate to large sized branching tree of family Burseraceae (Genus Boswellia), grows in dry mountainous regions of India, Northern Africa and Middle East. Oleo gum-resin is tapped from the incision made on the trunk of the tree and is then stored in specially made bamboo basket for removal of oil content and getting the resin solidified. 

After processing, the gum-resin is then graded according to its flavour, colour, shape and size. In India, the States of Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh are the main source of Boswellia serrata. Regionally, it is also known by different names. The oleo gum-resins contain 30-60% resin, 5-10% essential oils, which are soluble in the organic solvents, and the rest is made up of polysaccharides. *22457547

Extracts of Boswellia serrata have been clinically studied for osteoarthritis and joint function, with the research showing trends of benefit (slight improvement) in pain and function, warranting further investigation. Positive effects of Boswellia in some chronic inflammatory diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, bronchial asthma, ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease have been reported. It has been used in Indian traditional medicine for diabetes.

Gum-resin extracts of Boswellia serrata have been traditionally used in folk medicine for centuries to treat various chronic inflammatory diseases. The resinous part of Boswellia serrata possesses monoterpenes, diterpenes, triterpenes, tetracyclic triterpenic acids and four major pentacyclic triterpenic acids i.e. β-boswellic acid, acetyl-β-boswellic acid, 11-keto-β-boswellic acid and acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid, responsible for inhibition of pro-inflammatory enzymes.

Out of these four boswellic acids, acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid is the most potent inhibitor of 5-lipoxygenase, an enzyme responsible for inflammation.”

Hs= Human study  Hc= Human cells

Analgesic  properties (excerpt from research: “The mean pain tolerance force and time were significantly increased from baseline at 1 hr, 2 hrs and 3 hrs of drug  “)  *see research link PMC4175880/ Hs

Potent anti-inflammatory *see research link  17321470   Hc , PMC5133128/  Hs,  20487208 , 17321470, 0125375

Contains boswellic acid, not in the steam or hydro distilled frankincense essential oil form,  see wiki * see research link  22457547

Safe for topical use, however it could be an irritant  *see research link 18304763

Cancer suppressant and adjuvant against pancreatic cancer & liver cancer (excerpt from research:”  In addition, AKBA inhibited the metastasis of the PaCa to spleen, liver, and lung “) *see research link PMC3204996/    Hc  , PMC4142179/ , PMC4142179/

Improves skin texture, reduces damage from UVA & UVB rays (excerpt from research:” an increase of elasticity, a decrease of sebum excretion “)*see research link 19918712,  /29157812 , /20136919 Hs

Improves erythematous eczema and psoriasis, redness and itch  *see research link PMC4235203/  Hs

Reduces pain in combination with Curcumin in patients with Osteoarthritis (excerpt from research:” The time required to ascend and descend a flight of stairs significantly decreased by week 12  “)   *see research link PMC5761198/   Hs 

Reduces knee-arthritis , works better combined with MSM compaired to Glucosamine sulfate  *see research link 26684635  Hs , PMC5806735/ Hs , 18667054/ Hs

Could improve Crohn’s Disease symptoms , and IBD *see research link 11215357/  Hs, .0125375 (Plos link)

Safely used by type2 diabetics on medications to reduce LDL  *always consult your physician/GP  * see research from PMC3929136/ Hs

Could help with recovery of ankle sprains  *see research link 29131239 Hs

Could improve sciatic nerve damage *see research link  PMC5900512/

Antimicrobial against Propionibacterium acnes, Candida Albicans, Trichophyton spp. which can cause toenail infection & Malassezia which causes dandruff * see research link 27730658

Could reduce cluster headaches *see research link PMC3620238/ Hs

Research links :

Shoes. Oh my god!

These recommendations are great for all sorts of spoonie needs, not just RA. Needs specifically covered:

Heel/arch pain

Hallux limitus

Plantar fasciitis

Metatarsalgia

Plus just general comfort items like cushioned insoles and rocker soles.

Check out the article for stylish and practical recommendations, as well as links to tips for keeping things affordable and finding extended sizes.

Do you often feel pain in the ball of your foot while walking or standing? You may be experiencing forefoot pain, a common condition caused by pressure, inflammation, or nerve irritation in the front area of the foot. Early care can prevent the pain from getting worse — and help you stay active without discomfort.

What Causes Forefoot Pain?

Forefoot pain can occur due to:

Metatarsalgia (pressure on the ball of the foot)

Morton’s neuroma (nerve irritation between the toes)

High-arched or flat feet

Tight or ill-fitting footwear

Excessive running or long hours standing

Arthritis or toe deformities

Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Sharp or burning pain in the ball of the foot

Tingling or numbness in toes

Pain when walking barefoot or wearing narrow shoes

If these symptoms persist, seek professional help to avoid long-term damage.

How Forefoot Pain Is Treated

A podiatrist first identifies the underlying cause. Common treatments include:

Orthotic insoles to redistribute pressure

Footwear modifications for better support

Rest, ice, and guided exercises to reduce inflammation

Advanced therapies when needed, tailored to your lifestyle

Don’t Let Foot Pain Slow You Down

With the right diagnosis and treatment plan, most patients experience significant relief. At The Foot Doctor, we provide personalised solutions to help you walk pain-free and stay mobile.

Heel pain can be frustrating, especially when it keeps you from walking comfortably or enjoying the activities you love. One common culprit? Metatarsalgia – a condition that causes pain in the ball of the foot.

I first learned about it through a podiatrist who explained how everyday things—like standing too long, wearing unsupportive shoes, or even foot shape—can trigger pain. It made me realize that small changes could have a big impact.

Here are some practical strategies that help manage metatarsalgia pain:

Wear supportive shoes: Brands with cushioning and a wide toe box (like Hoka or Altra) reduce stress on the forefoot.

Use insoles or orthotics: Even affordable inserts can redistribute pressure and ease discomfort.

Don’t skip recovery: Rest, ice, and gentle stretches go a long way.

Seek professional guidance: A podiatrist can check alignment and recommend tailored treatments.

If you’ve ever felt a sharp, burning, or aching pain in the ball of your foot, you may be dealing with metatarsalgia. It’s more common than most people realize, and as a podiatrist would tell you, it often stems from pressure overload in the forefoot.

Common causes of metatarsalgia:

High-impact activities like running or jumping

Ill-fitting shoes with narrow toe boxes

Foot deformities such as bunions or hammertoes

Lack of cushioning or arch support

The good news? Metatarsalgia can be managed with some simple but effective steps:

Choose the right footwear – Wide toe boxes, cushioned soles, and rocker-bottom shoes help reduce pressure. Insoles and orthotics – Over-the-counter cushioned insoles or custom orthotics can make a huge difference. Stretching and strengthening – Stretching calves, hamstrings, and strengthening foot muscles reduces strain. ⏸ Rest and ice – Giving your feet downtime is key when pain flares up.

Ever felt sharp pain in the ball of your foot after walking, running, or standing for long periods? That burning, aching discomfort might be metatarsalgia, a common condition podiatrists see all the time.

Metatarsalgia happens when too much pressure is placed on the metatarsal bones—the long bones in the front of your foot. Over time, this pressure irritates the surrounding tissue, causing inflammation, pain, and sometimes numbness or tingling.

Common causes include:

Poor footwear: Tight shoes, high heels, or shoes with minimal cushioning

High-impact activities: Running, jumping, or sports that put extra stress on the forefoot

Foot structure: High arches, bunions, or hammertoes can concentrate pressure

Weight distribution: Extra body weight increases load on the ball of the foot

Tips for relief and prevention:

Choose supportive shoes – Look for shoes with thick, cushioned soles and a wide toe box to reduce pressure.

Use orthotics or metatarsal pads – These help redistribute weight and reduce strain on the metatarsals.

Avoid high heels or stiff shoes – They increase pressure on the forefoot and worsen symptoms.

Ice and rest – Applying ice and giving your feet a break can reduce inflammation.

Stretch and strengthen your feet – Toe stretches, calf raises, and rolling a ball under your foot can relieve tension.

Metatarsalgia to dolegliwość objawiająca się bólem w przedniej części stopy. Poznaj jej przyczyny, objawy i sposoby leczenia, aby skutecznie sobie z nią poradzić.