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Metatarsalgia

Authors:
  • Cynthia M. Johnson, MA
Publication Type:

Condition

Metatarsalgia

(Pain in Ball of Foot)

Definition

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

Metatarsalgia.

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Causes

Some things that may cause this problem are:

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
Claw Toes.

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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:

RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

References

  • Forefoot pain (metatarsalgia). American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society—FootCareMD website. Available at: https://www.footcaremd.org/conditions-treatments/toes/forefoot-pain-metatarsalgia. Accessed July 30, 2020.
  • Pain in the ball of the foot (metatarsalgia). Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/musculoskeletal-and-connective-tissue-disorders/foot-and-ankle-disorders/metatarsalgia. Updated December 2019. Accessed July 30, 2020.

Contributors

  • Laura Lei-Rivera, PT, DPT
Last Updated:
2020-03-01

(C) Copyright 2022 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.