Metatarsalgia
Metatarsalgia is
an overuse injury with resultant pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot.
The primary
symptom is pain around the heads of the metatarsals sometimes described as the
ball of the foot. This can include
burning and shooting sensations, numbness and tingling.
The pain can be
aggravated with activities including walking, the high impact from running as
well as other activities including soccer, baseball, tennis, etc.
Other
contributing factors can be:
a) Wearing high
heel shoes, shoes with a narrow and tapered toe box.
b) As we age, the
fat padding under the metatarsal heads diminishes allowing more pressure and thus
inflammation.
c) Hammertoe
deformities which raise the base of the proximal phalanx higher on the
metatarsal head and pushing it harder into the ground.
d) Pronation, a
high arched foot and an abnormal parabola of the length of
the metatarsal bones.
e) Obesity
f) Arthritic
joint changes
The first step in
treating metatarsalgia is to determine the cause of the pain.
If improper
fitting footwear is the cause of the pain, modifications can relieve it. Shoes
with a high/deep, wide/round/squared toe box relieve pressure in this area. A
more supportive shoe can help to support the foot better and disperse pressure.
No barefoot/slipper/stocking walking when on your feet in the house for
prolonged periods.
Other modalities
may include shoe padding, rocker bottom soles and orthotics.
If no other more
serious issues are involved, general care including elevation and icing of the
area may help.
