Metatarsalgia is a painful inflammation in the ball of your foot. The ball of your foot is the area between your feet and your arch.
Metatarsal is the name given to the five metatarsal bones in the middle of your feet that connect to your toes.
Metatarsalgia usually occurs from excessive injuries in sports that include running and jumping. It can also be caused by unsuitable shoes, foot disorders or arthritis and other diseases.
The pain of metatarsalgia usually starts gradually over time. It can get better when you support your leg and worse when you stand, walk or exercise. Your foot may feel like:
The most common cause of metatarsalgia is engaging in sports activities that put pressure on the metatarsal bones in the front of your foot.
These activities often lead to overuse of the area.
Running, for example, involves the constant strength of the ball of your foot. Abnormal stress on your foot can increase inflammation in the metatarsal area. It can also irritate the tendons, ligaments and cartilage around the bones.
People who play high-impact sports that include running and jumping have a higher risk of metatarsalgia. Also at greater risk are athletes who wear toe shoes or shoes without good support.
Other people at higher risk for metatarsalgia include:
If your pain in the metatarsal area persists for a few days after resting your feet or changing your shoes, it is best to see a doctor.
Your doctor will examine your foot and ask you to walk so that he can observe your gait. They will also ask you questions about your activities and when the pain started. If your doctor suspects other causes of pain, you may have other tests. These may include:
Treatment for metatarsalgia depends on the cause and severity of your pain. Usually, conservative measures such as staying away from your feet, changing your shoes and using a orthostatic pad on your shoe will relieve the pain.
Home remedies include:
Your doctor may recommend that you work with a physiotherapist. They can offer range of motion exercises and exercises that strengthen the surrounding muscles. The therapist can also help you correct your gait, if necessary.
Contact us to see you up close!
Athanasios Badekas is the Scientific Officer of the Orthopedic Department of the ORTHO REHAB CENTER, which is housed in the center of Glyfada. Our space, recently completely renovated, has been created in such a way as to meet the needs of our doctors and to offer a friendly and functional environment to our patients.
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