Metatarsalgia Treatment

What is Metatarsalgia?

Metatarsalgia is a condition in which pain and inflammation on the ball of the foot is caused by an overuse or excess of pressure through the metatarsal heads. It is located at the area between the toes and the arch.

Causes of Metatarsalgia

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

Hypermobile 1st ray
Intensive physical activity in sports from: tennis, ballet, golf, running etc.
High-heeled footwear
High-arched foot
An unusually long metatarsal bone - usually of the second toe
Toe deformities such as hammertoe
Plantar plate tear
Overlapping or underlapping toe
Weak toe muscles
A tight or short Achilles tendon
Excess body weight
Cycling with ill fitting shoes
Running in minimalist shoes

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
Feeling like you have a pebble at the base of your foot
An area of hardened skin (callus) on the ball of the foot
Swelling of the joints near the base of the toes (metatarsophalangeal joints)

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 Morton’s neuroma
MRI scan: to visualize the soft tissues surrounding the metatarsal bones

Treatment for Metatarsalgia

Metatarsalgia is normally treated by conservative 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 barefoot walking