Metatarsalgia
Metatarsalgia is a general term describing forefoot pain. This typically occurs over time (chronic pain), but can sometimes be described as a sudden onset of pain in the forefoot (acute pain). The pain can be caused by a number of things including:
- inflammation at the ball of the foot
- sudden change of activity or irritation to the area
- fat pad deterioration
- arthritis
- high arches
- foot deformities
Signs and Symptoms:
- will typically get worse with activity
- sometimes paired with a shooting pain into the toes or a numbing of the toes
How Can We Help?
Proper fitting shoes
- this is the number one cause of metatarsalgia
- orthopaedic footwear with a wide, deep toe box that are properly shaped to fit your feet will typically relieve symptoms and prevent them from recurring
Activity specific shoes
- wearing shoes that properly support your feet based on your level and type of activity, for example, walking shoes for long walks
Over the counter or specialty devices
- metatarsal pads to take pressure off the ball of the foot
- orthoses with a metatarsal pad built in