Metatarsalgia is a general term describing pain in the metatarsals, which are the long bones of the feet. It is commonly referred to as a symptom (pain at the ball of the foot) of other conditions, as opposed to a condition in itself. Because the metatarsal bones should have weight and forces evenly distributed between them through every step, problems that overload a particular metatarsal or group of metatarsals can quickly become very painful for those affected.
Because
metatarsalgia is a broad term that can refer to many conditions, the causes can vary greatly. Commonly, there may be biomechanical and
alignment issues involved that place greater stress on the metatarsal bones at the ball of the foot. This may not refer to just the bony
structure, but also refer to weak muscles and ligaments that allow the positioning of the metatarsals to change and take on a greater load.
Generally, causes can include:
Metatarsalgia is characterised by pain at the ball of the foot. The pain can range from sharp to a dull ache. The pain is usually exacerbated by walking and putting pressure on the metatarsals. Depending on the cause, swelling may also be present, which may irritate the surrounding structures of the foot and cause the pain to radiate.
The treatment of metatarsalgia must address its specific cause. The first step is then to identify this cause. This can be done through an assessment with your podiatrist, which will examine everything from the biomechanics and alignment of your feet and legs to pressure testing, muscle strength testing, footwear assessment, gait analysis and more. Any concurrent conditions, such as callus or bursitis in the feet, also need to be managed appropriately. While the PRICE (protection, rest, ice, compression and elevation) principles can help relieve the painful symptoms, treatment needs to be directed at correcting the cause so that metatarsalgia doesn’t become an ongoing issue. To achieve this, treatment may include:
If you’re unsure whether you should wear walking or running shoes when exercising, this article is for you.
We explain the differences between walking and running shoes and how to determine which one is best for your feet. When it comes to buying a new pair of shoes, most people walk into a store expecting to just “find something comfy.” Then, suddenly, you’re asked: Are you looking for
walking shoes or running shoes? And that’s where the confusion begins. Because for many people, the answer isn’t that simple.
You could walk a lot – to work, around the block, chasing after the kids, or while catching up with friends. You could have also just joined
a gym or registered for the Couch to 5km. Or you could be a walker who just wants the option to go for a run if the mood strikes. So, which
shoe do you pick?
Discover why foot health is so important as we age and how Perform Podiatry supports seniors in staying mobile, independent, and pain-free. From diabetic care to personalised treatment plans, we’re here to help keep your feet happy and healthy, every step of the way.
Discover how Class IV Laser Therapy at Perform Podiatry offers powerful, drug-free relief for foot and ankle pain. Backed by science, this advanced treatment helps you heal faster and move better, without the need for surgery or medication.
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This Mother’s Day, consider a practical, medically safe, and confidence-boosting gift: a professional KeryFlex nail restoration treatment. It’s a simple, effective, and medically safe way to instantly transform the appearance of toenails.
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For those undergoing ingrown toenail surgery, it can feel like a massive weight has been lifted off of your shoulders (or toes), finally giving you much-needed relief from the pain and discomfort. And as with any minor surgical procedure, having proper care after your procedure is essential for a smooth and speedy recovery. To ensure […]
With winter well and truly here, we find ourselves bidding farewell to sandals and embracing cosy merino socks. However, for podiatrists like us, the arrival of winter also means an increase in patients seeking help for specific foot problems that arise due to the colder temperatures. To help, here are our valuable podiatry insights into […]
Pregnancy is an incredibly exciting time, but also one that is full of the unexpected – and that includes all sorts of pregnancy aches and pains. And due to the body undergoing significant changes, such as hormonal and weight changes, included in those pains is the increased risk of developing ingrown toenails. Here are the […]
Keeping your family on their feet and helping them to walk, run, play and exceed their goals is why we love getting up in the morning.
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