Metatarsalgia (Ball of the foot pain)
What is Metatarsalgia?
Metatarsalgia is a common foot pain that develops in the ball of the foot just below the toes. The pain is caused by an inflammation of the joints and becomes present when flexing or applying weight to the affected area.
Causes for Metatarsalgia
Common causes for metatarsalgia include:
- Excessive exercise/overuse – especially in high impact sports
- Foot deformity – because the forefoot function is to distribute body weight evenly throughout the foot, a deformity can distribute weight unevenly and cause extra strain and stress on certain joints
- Arthritis/medical conditions – medical conditions that cause joints to degenerate
- Ill-fitting shoes/small toed shoes – shoes cause problems by distributing weight unevenly, especially if toes are cramped or don’t have correct support from the shoes
- Weak muscle support
Symptoms and signs of Metatarsalgia
The main indicator of metatarsalgia is a mild to severe pain centralised in the ball of the foot usually just below the toes. This pain becomes present whenever actions such as walking, running or jumping take place.
Other indicators include:
- Feeling of a pebble underneath the ball of your foot when walking (even with shoes on)
- Numbness/tingling in the ball of the foot
- Chronic pain
Treating Metatarsalgia
Here are a couple methods for treating Metatarsalgia:
- Anti-inflammatory/pain medications
- Resting by relieving the foot of stress and strains
- Icing the affected area
- Wearing shoes with proper support
- Insoles/orthotics may be recommended by your doctor
- metatarsal pads for added forefoot support
It is rare to develop a serious case of metatarsalgia, although if the condition worsens over a period of 2-3 days, seek medical attention as rehabilitation and/or surgery may be required. To find the correct brace to rehabilitate matatarsalgia click through to Better Brace’s Brace Advisor. With Better Brace you are assured the best foot brace with fast delivery and price match guarantee.
