What is Ball-of-Foot Pain (Metatarsalgia)?
Pain located in the ball of the foot, also known as Metatarsalgia, is an inflammation that occurs when the heads of the long bones in the feet become stressed. This can be due to a large variety of reasons that include a high-arched foot, anatomy of the bones and their position in the foot, or biomechanical problems. It may also be secondary to other conditions like Morton’s neuroma, arthritis, or Freiberg’s disease. Changes resulting from trauma or surgery, and footwear are also a possible cause of Metatarsalgia. Before a comprehensive treatment plan is developed, a thorough history and examination must be conducted to determine the cause of the pain.
Signs and symptoms of Metatarsalgia
The main symptom of Metatarsalgia is pain at under the ball of the foot, also known as the metatarsal. Should the below-mentioned symptoms recur, treatment may be required to prevent future problems such as hammertoes, or lower back pain.
- Pain: There various types of pain that one may experience when suffering from Metatarsalgia. These include:
- Pain when standing, running, flexing, or walking
- Sharp, shooting pain in the toes
- Numbness or tingling in your toes
- Burning pain at the ball of the feet
- Swelling
- Calluses or corns
Causes of Metatarsalgia
When there is pressure on the nerves between the Metatarsal bones, it can start to become inflamed. This causes Metatarsalgia. Abnormal weight distribution or the constant rubbing of metatarsal bones together through high impact exercise or tight shoes can also increase the inflammation of the nerve.
Metatarsalgia diagnosis and its treatments
A podiatrist will first assess the symptoms and examine the feet for Metatarsalgia. Treatment is usually non-invasive, requiring the simple utilisation of pads or inserts to take the weight off the inflamed part of the foot. The patient may also be advised to avoid walking barefoot and remove calluses to relieve some pressure.
Request an appointment at Family Podiatry Centre, and have the symptoms of Metatarsalgia addressed with the proper treatment.
Latest Research Links:
Computer Foot: Foot position while sitting can contribute to metatarsalgia
