Metatarsalgia

What is Metatarsalgia?

Metatarsalgia is a condition characterised by pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot, usually occurring in the metatarsal region, which is the area just before the toes. It’s commonly experienced by athletes who engage in high-impact sports but can also affect non-athletes.

Symptoms

The condition usually causes a burning sensation or general aching in the forefoot, under the ball of the foot, and can become very painful. Some patients describe the pain as a lump under the ball of the foot. Applying pressure to the ball of the foot can elicit pain.

Causes

When the foot pronates (‘rolls’ inwards) excessively, there is a progressive weakening of soft tissue structures, ligament laxity and muscular wastage, which causes the bones and joints in the forefoot to rotate and move downwards. This results in shearing forces on foot structures, which can cause pressure and pain. After a period of time, nerve damage and callosities can develop in the foot.

Metatarsalgia Treatment at Galleria Podiatry

Custom orthotics can control excessive pronation and return the foot to a neutral position, preventing shearing forces on the joints in the ball of the foot.

Also, by balancing the weight distribution over the entire ball of the foot, orthotic devices help to remove excess weight and friction on specific parts of the foot, which is a common cause of burning pain as well as corns and callosities.

Patients suffering from pain such as this may also benefit from the use of a pain-relieving cream, which can be found in our shop.