Metatarsalgia is a term that refers to pain or inflammation under the ball of the foot.
Symptoms and Causes
Metatarsalgia can make your feet extremely uncomfortable, with symptoms including:
- Sharp pain or dull ache just behind the toes on the ball of the foot.
- Pain that worsens while walking, running or jumping and improves when at rest.
- Numbness or pain in the toes.
- Pain in the feet that worsens when barefoot.
- Feeling of thickness or swelling under the ball of the foot.
While there is occasionally one singular cause for metatarsalgia, it is typically caused by several factors, including:
- Improper foot alignment
- Improper walking mechanics
- Unusual foot shape
- Hammertoe
- Intense training and activity
- Bunions
- Excess weight
- Tight shoes
- Morton’s Neuroma
- Stress fractures
Since there are many potential causes of metatarsalgia, treatment begins with a thorough evaluation. After determining the root biomechanical cause, options can be fit for the individual patient. Contact our office today for evaluation of your foot pain.