More about Metatarsalgia...
Common Causes
- The incorrect alignment of the metatarsal bones in your feet - they are the bones that are the equivalent of the ones leading to your knuckles in your hands.
- If you have Diabetes, or another condition that affects the whole of your body such as arthritis, it can cause this condition.
- An unstable foot which causes an imbalance in the bones of the foot more especially in the front part of your feet.
- A fracture of one or more of the metatarsal bones.
- An enlarged or deformed metatarsal bone.
- Callus or hard skin that can cause your weight to be distributed in an uneven manner.
- The onset of old age with which comes many problems, such as the thinning of muscles and the fat pad on the bottom of your feet.
- Ill fitting shoes especially those with narrow or thin front parts.
- Overuse of your feet such as playing too much sport.
Main Symptoms
- Pain in the general area around the ball of the foot.
- Discomfort when wearing footwear.
- Increased pain when performing activities such as running or jogging etc.
Cathy Bowen
MSc DPodM ILTM, Podiatrist
Metatarsalgia
Metatarsalgia is a term used to describe general pain in the ball of the foot - the area on the bottom of your foot, just behind the toes and in front of the arch.
Suggested Treatments for Metatarsalgia
Corrective Devices (Orthotics) - these will help
realign your feet and allow the pressure you feel
as you run or walk to be directed towards the
outside of your feet where it should be felt.
Use non-corrective devices such as gel insoles
and other cushioning devices to help ease the
pressure. Metatarsal pads are very useful.
If the cause were to do with the actual
bone structure, for example, if one of
your metatarsals were abnormally long,
then maybe surgery would help.
Other customers have found these useful for Metatarsalgia...
 Silipos Ball - of- Foot Gel Cushion |
Treating your condition
The Traffic Light symbol at the top of each condition page indicates the way you should approach it:
Red: Seek professional help immediately, either from a suitably qualified Podiatrist or Physiotherapist.
Amber: You can treat this condition yourself BUT you should seek professional help if you want reassurance that what you are doing is the best approach for you.
Green: You can treat this condition yourself if you feel comfortable doing so. However, for further reassurance it might be as well to talk the condition through with a suitably qualified Podiatrist.
Remember this advice is for guidance only and if you are in any doubt at all, please consult your nearest HPC Registered Podiatrist.