Footnotes / Blog
What is Metatarsalgia?
Metatarsalgia refers to pain in the ball of the foot, typically around the area where the toes meet the foot. Many patients experience discomfort in this region, which can range from mild to severe. The pain can make walking, standing, or exercising difficult, especially when putting pressure on the affected area.
Causes of Metatarsalgia
There are several potential causes of pain in the ball of the foot:
- Capsulitis: Inflammation of the tissues surrounding the small joints in the ball of the foot can lead to significant pain, especially during walking.
- Neuroma: An enlarged nerve in the foot, often referred to as a Morton’s neuroma, can cause burning or shooting sensations that radiate from the ball of the foot to the toes.
- Plantar Plate Tear: A tear in the ligament that connects the ball of the foot to the toes can result in pain when bearing weight or flexing the toes upward.
- Elongated Metatarsal: Some individuals have longer metatarsal bones, which create added pressure on the ball of the foot, leading to pain and discomfort.
- Calluses: Pressure points caused by abnormal walking patterns or bone misalignment can result in painful calluses on the ball of the foot.
Treatment for Metatarsalgia
Treatment depends on the underlying cause of the pain. A podiatrist can provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend an appropriate treatment plan. Common treatments include:
- Callus Shaving: Reducing the thickness of calluses can alleviate pressure on the foot.
- Padding: Special pads or insoles can help offload painful areas and reduce pressure during walking.
- Corticosteroid Injections: These can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain, especially in cases of capsulitis or neuroma.
- Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Medications such as ibuprofen can reduce inflammation and ease pain.
- Proper Footwear: Wearing shoes that provide adequate support and cushioning is essential for preventing and treating metatarsalgia.
- Custom Orthotics: Tailored foot inserts can help correct abnormal foot mechanics and reduce pressure on the ball of the foot.
In more severe cases, if conservative treatments fail, surgical intervention may be necessary to correct the underlying issue, such as a plantar plate tear or an elongated metatarsal.
When to See a Podiatrist
If you are experiencing persistent or worsening pain in the ball of your foot, it is important to visit a podiatrist for an evaluation. At Innovative Foot and Ankle, our experienced doctors can diagnose and treat your foot condition effectively. We have four convenient locations in Kenilworth, Bayonne, Montclair, and Little Ferry, NJ.
