Metatarsalgia

What is it?

Metatarsalgia is pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot. The pain gets worse when walking or running and gradually gets worse over the course of several months.

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What is the Cause?

There are several causes of metatarsalgia. These include, but are not limited to: repetitive stress/impact on the ball of the foot, foot injuries, over-pronation (foot falling inward), over-supination (foot rolling outward) and wearing high heeled shoes. Additionally, as we age, the ‘fat pad’ under the ball of the foot shifts and as a result, there is less cushioning of the feet.

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Recommended Treatment

There are several recommended remedies to treat metatarsalgia. A Chiropodist or Podiatrist will examine the foot in order to determine the best treatment options. These include: anti-inflammatory medications, ice, massage and adding cushioning pads to shoes. A Chiropodist or Podiatrist can also prescribe custom orthotics to help redistribute pressure on the foot.