Metatarsalgia

SYMPTOMS OF METATARSALGIA

Symptoms of metatarsalgia include:

• Pain in the ball of the foot, which feels like a deep bruise and worsens when you stand or walk, especially when barefoot or on hard surfaces
• Feeling like you have a pebble at the base of your foot
• An area of thick skin (callus) on the ball of the foot
• Swelling of the joints/ knuckles near the base of the toes

CAUSES OF METATARSALGIA

Metatarsalgia can be caused by many factors, the most common including:

• Hypermobile 1st ray
• Intensive physical activity in sports 
• High-heeled footwear
• High-arched foot
• An unusually long metatarsal bone - usually of the second toe
• Hammertoes
• Plantar plate tear
• Overlapping or underlapping toe
• Weak toe muscles
• A tight or short Achilles tendon
• Excess body weight/ BMI
• Running in minimalist shoes

DIAGNOSIS OF METATARSALGIA

Your doctor will discuss your symptoms and activities and perform a physical examination. Diagnostic tests that may be carried out include:

• X-rays: to identify any bone fractures
• Ultrasound: to evaluate soft tissue conditions such as bursitis or rule out neuromas

TREATMENT FOR METATARSALGIA

Metatarsalgia can treated by methods that include:

• Applying ice over the area of pain
• Taking medications to reduce pain and inflammation
• Changing footwear
• Using pressure bandages on the foot
• Using a metatarsal pad
• Losing bodyweight
• Avoiding walking barefoot 
• Surgical rebalancing of load bearing bones