Metatarsalgia... Tips on Management and Treatment

What is Metatarsalgia?

This is a general term used by the medical community to describe pain in the front of the foot or the "ball of the foot". This problem is most common beneath the "metatarsal" head bones, hence its name.

What causes Metatarsalgia?

This type of pain in the ball of the foot can have many causes. These may include:

Bone deformity;

excessive pronation (foot roll-in);

excessive supination (foot roll-out);

muscle/ligament tears, strain or rupture;

tearing in the plantar plate ligaments;

neuromas

calluses or corns;

Arthritis; or

Improperly fitted footwear.

As we age, the natural fat pad cushion under the ball of the foot decreases in size which predisposes people to ball of foot pain. This is due to loss of the foot's natural cushioning ability.

There are many other possible causes so it is important to diagnose the cause so that an appropriate treatment plan can be devised.

How is Metatarsalgia prevented?

Prevention involves the use of properly fitted footwear which is appropriate for the type of activity. So don't try using work boots or hiking boots if you plan on running marathons. Different shoe designs exist for a reason. Often ladies can reduce ball of foot pain by simply wearing shoes with lower heels.

Sometimes tight calf muscles and incorrect foot posture will cause ball of foot pain. In this situation prevention involves stretching exercises and the use of orthotic shoe inserts to control abnormal foot alignment.

How is Metatarsalgia treated?

Treatment will involve:

Review of footwear;

Reduction of skin lesions;

Ball of foot cushions or gel pads;

medication review if the cause is arthritis;

Orthotic shoe inserts to control any abnormal foot alignment are important and often used in the treatment of this type of foot condition.

What happens if this ball of foot pain is left untreated?

In serious cases skin lesions can ulcerate and become infected. If there is underlying bone damage, permanent disability can occur. To cure metatarsalgia, one must first know exactly what is causing the foot problem.

If pain persists consult your Podiatrist, Chiropodist or foot doctor. If detected early, you can cure this condition without surgery. If left too late, surgery may be required to achieve a satisfactory result.

WARNING : This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional podiatric advice. Treatment will vary between individuals depending upon your diagnosis and presenting complaint. An accurate diagnosis can only be made following personal consultation with a Podiatrist, your Doctor or your foot specialist.

For more information on aching feet and many other foot pain, leg pain and back pain conditions please visit our Foot Pain Conditions page and click on the condition of interest to you.

To find a Podiatrist or Foot Doctor near you visit our Find a Podiatrist page and click on your country.

Still have a question about your foot problem, leg pain or you just need some footwear advice?

Visit our Foot Problems page and ask us a question about your specific problem. We'll do our best to help.

Return to Home page

Click on the following link for more information on

metatarsalgia and foot pain.

Metatarsalgia... Tips on Management and Treatment

What is Metatarsalgia?

What causes Metatarsalgia?

How is Metatarsalgia prevented?

How is Metatarsalgia treated?

What happens if this ball of foot pain is left untreated?

Still have a question about your foot problem, leg pain or you just need some footwear advice?

Recent Articles

Achilles Tendonitis... A treatment information guide.

Corns... A guide on where to find treatment and management information

Toe Nail Fungus... A guide on where to find treatment information