Definition

Metatarsalgia is pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot.

Metatarsalgia Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Causes

Some things that may cause this problem are:

• Stress fractures
• Bunions
• Arthritis
• Pinched nerves
• Morton neuroma
• Sesamoiditis

Risk Factors

This problem is more common in older adults. Other things that may raise the risk of this problem are:

• Feet with high arches
• Feet with abnormally long bones
• Hammer toes
• Playing high-impact sports
• Being overweight
• Wearing shoes that do not fit well or high heels
• Problems with blood flow
• Gout
• Diabetes

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Symptoms

Problems may be:

• Pain in the ball of the foot or in the toe
• Numbness or tingling in the toes or foot
• Pain that is worse when standing, walking, or running
• A feeling that you have a pebble in your shoe

Diagnosis

You will be asked about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. It will focus on the foot.

Images may need to be taken of the foot. This can be done with x-rays.

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to ease pain and promote healing. Options are:

• Rest, ice, and elevation
• Medicines to ease pain and swelling
• Shoe inserts or insoles to provide support and ease pain

Some people may need surgery to treat foot problems that are causing metatarsalgia.

Prevention

The risk of this problem can be lowered by:

• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Wearing properly fitting shoes