Metatarsalgia

Pronounced: meta-tar-sal-jea

by ]]>Patricia Griffin Kellicker, BSN]]>

Definition

Metatarsalgia is a condition that causes pain and inflammation to the ball of your foot. You may also feel pain to the big toe or the three toes closest to the big toe.

Metatarsalgia

This condition can be treated. Contact your doctor if you think you may have metatarsalgia.

Causes

Metatarsalgia can be caused by a number of conditions:

Being overweight
Wearing shoes that don’t fit well
- High heels
Stress fractures]]> of the toes
]]>Bunion]]>
Arthritis
Pinched nerves
Problems with circulation
]]>Morton’s neuroma]]>

Risk Factors

These factors increase your chance of developing metatarsalgia. Tell your doctor if you have any of these risk factors:

Feet with high arches
Feet with abnormally long bones
Hammertoes]]>
Claw toes
High-impact sports
Older age

Claw Toes

Symptoms

If you have any of these symptoms do not assume it is due to metatarsalgia. These symptoms may be caused by other conditions. Tell your doctor if you have any of these:

Pain in the ball of the foot
Numbness or tingling in toes or foot
Pain when walking
Toe pain
Pain with movement
Sharp pain
Feeling like you are walking on pebbles
Associated back or leg pain
Weakness in the limb

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. You may be referred to a specialist.

Your doctor may order the following test:

X-ray]]> —test that uses radiation waves to form an image; used to rule out fractures and other foot problems

Treatment

Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include the following:

Rest

Rest is an important part of treatment. Elevate your foot on pillows and ice it to speed healing.

Orthotics

Your doctor may prescribe shoe inserts. They may help lessen pain and provide support. Your doctor may also recommend insoles. They may be shock absorbers, arch supporters, or special pads that protect your foot.

Medication

Your doctor will suggest a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) to reduce pain and inflammation. A corticosteroid shot is sometimes injected into the foot to lessen pain.

Surgery

If there are foot problems that are causing the metatarsalgia, surgery may be recommended. The type of surgery depends upon what is causing the problem.

Diet and Exercise

If excessive weight is contributing to the foot pain, you may be asked to lose weight]]> through diet and exercise.

Prevention

To help reduce your chance of getting metatarsalgia, take the following steps:

Maintain a healthy weight.
Wear properly fitting shoes.]]>

RESOURCES:

American College of Foot & Ankle Orthopaedics & Medicine
http://www.acfaom.org

American Physical Therapy Association
http://www/apta.org

American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society
http://www.aofas.org

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

The Canadian Foot and Ankle Society
http://www.coa-aco.org/

Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation
http://www.canorth.org/

References:

Metatarsalgia. Duke Orthopaedics website. Available at: http://www.wheelessonline.com/ortho/metatarsalgia . Accessed November 5, 2008.

Metatarsalgia. Mayo Clinic website. Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/metatarsalgia/DS00496 . Accessed November 5, 2008.

Metatarsalgia (pain in the ball of the foot). American College of Foot & Ankle Orthopaedics & Medicine website. Available at: http://www.acfaom.org/metatarsalgia.shtml . Accessed November 5, 2008.

Pain in the ball of the foot (metatarsalgia). Merck Manuals website. Available at: http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec05/ch072/ch072b.html . Accessed November 5, 2008.

Last reviewed November 2008 by ]]>John C. Keel, MD]]>

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.