Metatarsalgia
Mr. Arch Custom Orthotics
Metatarsalgia
Metatarsalgia, or pain in the ball of your foot, may be caused by a variety of factors. Treatment often includes selecting shoes with good soles, avoiding walking barefoot and using pumice stone to remove calluses from the feet.
What is metatarsalgia?
Metatarsalgia refers to pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot. This is the area between the arches and toes on the bottom of the foot. Metatarsalgia centers under the five bones at the bases of the toes, the metatarsals.
The pain of metatarsalgia can be caused by a number of conditions and can have varied treatments.
Anyone can get metatarsalgia, although runners and others who take part in high impact sports or spend more time on their forefoot have the condition more frequently than others.
People with high arches also have metatarsalgia more than others. High arches put extra pressure on the metatarsals and heels. People with a second toe longer than their big toe may also experience metatarsalgia more frequently.
What are the symptoms of metatarsalgia?
The main symptom of metatarsalgia is pain in the metatarsal area under the ball of the foot. Metatarsalgia may or may not be accompanied by bruising and swelling or inflammation. Symptoms can come on quickly or develop over time. They include:
Some people are more likely to have lower back pain than others. Risk factors for lower back pain include:
- RPain in the ball of the foot: this can be sharp, aching or burning. The pain may get worse when you stand, run or walk.
- RNumbness or tingling in your toes
- RThe feeling of a pebble in your shoe
How is metatarsalgia treated?
Metatarsalgia is usually easily treated without surgery. Your doctor may recommend that you use a metatarsal pad, a surgical shoe, or a shoe insert to offload the painful part of your foot. Athletic shoes or rocker soled shoes may be recommended. Other helpful tips include:
- RPicking shoes with good soles, a wide toe box and a lower heel
- RAvoiding walking barefoot
- RSoaking and using pumice stone on your feet to help remove calluses. Removing these calluses can help relieve pressure. People with diabetes should consult their physician first before doing this.
