Metatarsalgia refers to general foot pain in the metatarsal region of the foot, the area just before the toes at the ball of your foot.
Causes of Metatarsalgia
- Excessive pressure on the toes or balls of your feet over an extended period of time
- Hammertoes
- High arches
- Morton's neuroma
- Overuse of the feet in physical activity or exercise
- Poorly fitting footwear, including shoes with very high heels or narrow toe boxes
- Tight Achilles tendon
- Tight or weak toe muscles
- Toe deformities
Symptoms of Metatarsalgia
- Pain where your toes emerge from your feet
Treatments for Metatarsalgia
- Custom-made orthotics--NOPA offers more than 150 unique possibilities!
- Ice
- Metatarsal bandages, gel cushions, or pads
- Pressure bandages
- Staying off of the affected foot or limiting pressure placed on the foot for at least 24 hours
- Stretching and strengthening exercises recommended by Dr. Lang and his NOPA team
- Wearing properly fitting shoes
Prevention of Metatarsalgia
- Continued use of orthotics
- Wearing shoes that have wide toe boxes, shock-absorbent soles, and adequate cushioning
- Wearing sport-specific and sport-appropriate shoes