Metatarsalgia

What is metatarsalgia ?

Metatarsalgia is pain in the ball of the foot. It is usually felt in the sole of the foot and sometimes feel like "walking on pebbles". Other people feel a more diffuse vague pain, ache or burning. Some people hve trouble around only one or two toes, others have it throughout one or both feet.

Typical causes of metatarsalgia are:

Anything which puts extra stress on the front of the foot can cause metatarsalgia. Common examples are:  
 

• being overweight. 
• high-heeled shoes .
• certain foot shapes such as a high-arched "cavus" foot in which the bones in the front of the foot (metatarsals) point down into the sole to an excessive extent, or a long metatarsal bone which takes extra pressure.. 
• claw or hammer toes which press the metatarsals down towards the ground 
• a stiff ankle which cannot be drawn up to right angles with the leg but points the foot down to the ground. 
• A bunion or arthritis in the big toe can weaken the big toe and throw extra stress onto the ball of the foot. This can also happen after an operation on the big toe, such as a bunion correction. 
• A stretched or irritated nerve in the ball of the foot (interdigital neuroma) or behind the ankle (tarsal tunnel syndrome) can produce pain in the ball of the foot. Diabetes can also produce irritation of the small nerves in the foot leading to a burning pain. 
• Athletes or walkers occasionally get stress fractures of the metatarsal bones.
• Arthritis, gout or inflammation of the joints in the ball of the foot (metatarso-phalangeal joints) can produce local pain.

Effective Treatments

• Wear proper shoes. Your doctor or pedorthist may recommend a shoe that's especially suited for your foot type, your stride and your particular sport.
• Custom made orthotics . Your doctor or foot care specialist may recommend arch supports to minimize stress on the metatarsal bones and improve foot function.
• Rest. Protect your foot from further injury by not stressing it. You may need to avoid your favorite sport for a while, but you can stay fit with low-impact exercises.
• Ice the affected area. Icing reduces inflamation. Apply ice packs to the affected area for 15 to 20 minutes at a time, several times a day. To protect your skin, wrap the ice packs in a thin towel.