Metatarsalgia

Metatarsalgia is a general term used to denote pain under the ball-of-the-foot (the area just before the toes). This is a very common problem. Metatarsalgia (ball-of-foot-pain) is often located under the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th metatarsal heads, or more isolated at the first metatarsal head (near the big toe). Metatarsalgia usually responds very quickly to proper treatment. It can almost always be treated conservatively and surgery is rarely necessary.

Causes: Metatarsalgia is most often caused by having too much pressure on a small area of the foot. This increased pressure can be caused by many different things including bunions, short metatarsal bones, hammer toes, high arched feet, arthritis, stress fractures, and bunion surgery. Onset is usually gradual as it takes a while to add up into an injury. However, it may arise suddenly if there is trauma to the area or if new shoes are involved. Sudden trauma might include landing hard on the ball of the foot while barefoot or while wearing non-cushioned shoes or stepping on a stone while running.

The main goal of using Orthotics in pain relief in cases of metetarsalgia is to help alleviate the excess pressure being placed on the ball of the foot area. The orthotics help to correct the way weight is distributed on the foot, so that it is not focused under the metatarsal heads.