Metatarsalgia

Metatarsalgia is a musculoskeletal condition affecting the balls of the feet. It is usually a result of overloading the metatarsals due to an underlying foot deformity.  Dr. Joseph Hall, DPM (Foot and Ankle Specialist) at Mill Creek Foot & Ankle Clinic in Mill Creek, WA can help. He can determine what’s causing your pain and design a comprehensive treatment plan to resolve your symptoms. Call Dr. Joseph Hall, DPM or book an appointment online today for expert relief of metatarsalgia symptoms.

What is metatarsalgia?  

Metatarsalgia is inflammation affecting the ball of your foot. It causes sharp, burning pain or aching when you walk, and you may develop numbness or tingling in your toes.

Metatarsalgia pain typically worsens when you walk, run, or flex the affected foot. You might feel like there’s something in your shoe, such as a pebble, yet you never find anything when you check.

Why would I get metatarsalgia?

Anything that causes inflammation in the tissues inside the ball of your foot could trigger metatarsalgia. The most likely problems are persistent overuse or irritation that damages the tissues and causes inflammation. You might get metatarsalgia if you do a lot of running, jumping, or other vigorous exercise. Other causes of metatarsalgia include:

• Footwear that’s not supportive enough
• Stress fractures (tiny cracks in the bone)
• Excess body weight
• Certain foot shapes/types (ie. Flat feet or High arch feet)

Feet with structural abnormalities are more likely to develop metatarsalgia because they don’t distribute your weight as effectively.

If you continue to use the affected foot, inflammation can become chronic. Resting the foot and applying ice packs reduces inflammation and may be all you need if you act when symptoms first start. If you don’t get any relief, visit Mill Creek Foot & Ankle Clinic for an expert assessment and effective treatment.

How is metatarsalgia treated?

After examining your feet, the Mill Creek Foot & Ankle Clinic team might request X-rays to study the internal structures in detail. They may recommend anti-inflammatory medication and advise on suitable, supportive footwear for everyday use and exercise.

Orthotics are often highly effective for metatarsalgia. These custom-designed shoe inserts support your foot and redistribute your weight to reduce pressure on the ball of your foot. Metatarsal pads that go in your shoes ahead of your metatarsal bone can also help by deflecting stress. 

You might benefit from surgery to realign your metatarsal bones if conservative treatments like these don’t relieve your symptoms. Surgery is more likely to be an option if you have another foot condition like hammertoe, but it’s always a last resort.

Call Mill Creek Foot & Ankle Clinic to find relief from metatarsalgia or request a consultation by completing the online booking form today.