Fact Checked
[/sg_popup]Metatarsalgia is simply pain in the front part of the foot below the heads of the metatarsal bones. This is the part of the sole right before the toes and oftentimes called the ball of the foot. The condition can be triggered by various conditions affecting the foot. Remember that it is a symptom of other health issues.
What are the causes?
Metatarsalgia can be triggered by various conditions such as the following:
- Overuse can lead to minor inflammation in the metatarsal heads and adjacent joints. Certain sports that involve jumping can also add stress on the metatarsal heads and result to inflammation and pain.
There is pain in the ball of the foot that is aggravated by walking, standing or running. - Being overweight places extra stress on the feet.
- Wearing high-heeled shoes places additional stress on the metatarsal heads
- A stiff ankle or Achilles tendon can affect the distribution of pressure across the feet and might lead to excess stress on the metatarsal heads.
- Morton’s neuroma affects one of the nerves that travel below the metatarsal bones in the foot and causes symptoms such as burning, pain, tingling and numbness between 2 of the toes of the feet.
- Claw foot
- Claw toe deformity or hammer toe
- Bunions
- Diabetes
- Previous foot surgery
- Gout or arthritis
Indications of metatarsalgia
- There is pain in the ball of the foot that is aggravated by walking, standing or running. This pain is described as a sensation of walking on pebbles while others describe it as an aching sensation.
- The pain can occur in one or both feet.
- In some cases, pain is felt below one or two metatarsal heads
It is important to note that metatarsalgia typically develops in a gradual manner over several weeks instead of abruptly. The affected area in the foot might also feel tender if pressed.