Does the ball of your foot hurt when you walk, run, or stand? You may be experiencing metatarsalgia.
Metatarsalgia is a general term for pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot. It can make everyday activities uncomfortable and may feel worse during exercise or after spending long periods on your feet.
What Is Metatarsalgia?
The metatarsals are the long bones located in the front portion of your foot. When excessive pressure or repetitive stress affects this area, pain can develop around the ball of the foot.
Metatarsalgia isn’t a single disease. Instead, it describes a group of symptoms that can have several possible underlying causes.
Finding that cause is an important part of determining the right treatment.
What Does Metatarsalgia Feel Like?
Symptoms commonly occur beneath the toes in the ball of the foot and may include:
- Aching or burning pain
- Sharp pain while walking
- Tenderness or soreness
- Pain that becomes worse during activity
- A sensation of having something inside your shoe
Because other conditions can cause similar symptoms, persistent ball-of-foot pain should be properly evaluated.
What Causes Metatarsalgia?
Anything that increases pressure on the front of your foot can contribute to metatarsalgia.
Common factors include:
- Running and other high-impact activities
- Shoes that don’t fit properly
- High heels
- High arches
- Changes in foot structure
- Excessive pressure on the forefoot
- Certain foot deformities
Sometimes several factors contribute to the problem at the same time.
Is Metatarsalgia the Same as Morton’s Neuroma?
No. Both conditions can cause pain in the ball of the foot, but they aren’t the same.
Metatarsalgia describes pain and inflammation around the metatarsal region. Morton’s neuroma involves irritation and thickening of tissue around a nerve, typically between the toes.
Because their symptoms can overlap, an examination can help determine what’s actually causing your pain.
How Is Metatarsalgia Treated?
Treatment focuses on reducing pressure on the painful area and addressing the underlying cause.
Depending on your symptoms, treatment may include:
- Activity modification
- Supportive footwear
- Metatarsal padding
- Custom orthotics
- Stretching
- Reducing repetitive stress on the forefoot
- Other treatments based on the underlying condition
Many cases can be managed without surgery.
When Should I See a Podiatrist for Ball-of-Foot Pain?
Occasional soreness after an unusually active day may improve with rest. Pain that keeps returning, becomes worse, or makes it difficult to walk comfortably deserves a closer look.
You should also seek care if you’re experiencing numbness, tingling, significant swelling, or pain that doesn’t improve.
Metatarsalgia Treatment in Eugene
You shouldn’t have to adjust the way you walk because the ball of your foot hurts.
At Eugene Foot & Ankle, we’ll work to identify what’s causing your metatarsalgia and develop a treatment plan designed to relieve pressure, reduce pain, and keep you moving.
If ball-of-foot pain is interfering with your daily activities, schedule an appointment today.
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