What is Metatarsalgia ?

Is a non-specific diagnosis of pain and/or inflammation in and around the ball of the foot (metatarsal heads/joints). One or more of the metatarsal joints ma become painful or inflamed due to the presence of excessive pressure

Causes

Any extra stress/pressure on the front of the foot can cause metatarsalgia, Common examples are:

• improper fitting shoes (high heeled or pointed footwear)

• Hammer toe resulting in a more prominent metatarsal head

• fat pad thinning, callouses or pressure sensitivity may develop beneath the joints

• Arthritis

• Trauma (sports or other injuries) or exposure to hard surfaces for extended periods

• collapsing of the metatarsal transverse arch

Effective Treatment Options

Treatments consist of relieving the pressure on the ball of the foot. This may be achieved by one and/or a combination of the following depending on the severity of the pain:

• Wear proper footwear: in mild cases simply changing to proper footwear (wide round toe box) that has a rocker type sole may be all that is required

• shoe modifications: addition of contoured pads, metatarsal bars/pads or rocker sole to existing footwear

• Custom made orthoses that provide cushion and pressure relief to the ball of the foot