Information From Your Health Care Provider

METATARSALGIA

Basic information

description

Metatarsalgia is a general term for pain under the ball of the foot. The ball is the bottom, front part of the foot behind the toes. It is a common problem that can be very painful, but is usually not serious.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

Pain, dull ache, or burning feeling in the ball of one or both feet.
It hurts when walking (especially on hard surfaces) and feels better when you rest.
It is described as feeling like "have a stone in your shoe" or "walking on pebbles.".
Toes may be painful, or feel numb and tingly.
Foot may be swollen.

causes

There are five metatarsal bones in the foot that run from the arch to the toe joint. These bones take a lot of pressure when you walk, jump, or run. Anything that puts extra pressure on the front of the foot can cause metatarsalgia.

risk increases with

High-impact sports that involve running or jumping.
Wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, are poorly made, or are worn out.
For women, wearing high heels and shoes that are too tight across the ball of the foot.
Certain foot shapes (such as high arches) or other foot problems.
With aging, the fat pad in the foot tends to thin out.
Certain medical problems, such as diabetes.
Obesity.
Walking barefoot on tile or concrete.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

Wear good shoes that fit well and are right for the activity.
Start slowly with any new exercise or sports routines.
Weight loss may help if overweight.

expected outcomes

Treatment can often relieve symptoms in 10 to 14 days depending on what the cause is.
In some cases, recovery may depend on treatment of any other medical disorder.

possible complications

Without treatment, the foot joint may be less flexible and grow stiff. Pain may increase or occur elsewhere in the body (e.g., back) due to change in gait.

diagnosis & treatment

general measures

Rest with your feet elevated (raised up) after periods of standing or walking.
Rub an ice pack over the painful area for about 15 minutes at a time, several times a day.
Switch to heat after a day or two if it feels better. Use a heating pad or soak your feet in warm water.
Do simple stretches while seated:
- Place heels on floor, swing toes in and then out.
- Lift one leg straight and flex ankle by pointing toes up and then toward the floor; repeat with other leg.
Wear adhesive felt, gel, or foam padding around toe area. Cushioned insoles, metatarsal pads, or arch supports may help. These can be bought at drug stores.
Stop wearing the shoes that may cause the problem. Wear shoes that fit well and have plenty of toe room.
Consult your health care provider if self-treatment does not help to improve the symptoms. Your health care provider will examine the foot, and ask questions about symptoms, your activities, and the type of shoes you wear. An x-ray may be taken to make sure there is no bone fracture.
Special shoes, or special shoe inserts (called orthotics), may be prescribed.
Surgery may help if there is a problem such as bunions, hammertoes, or a pinched nerve.

medications

For minor pain, you may use nonprescription pain drugs, such as ibuprofen.

activity

Limit activities until the symptoms improve.
Try swimming or bicycling instead of running or walking while you have the symptoms.

diet

No special diet.

notify our office if

You or a family member has metatarsalgia symptoms that have lasted several days or are very painful.
Pain or discomfort gets worse despite treatment.