Metatarsalgia: What is it?

Metatarsalgia is a condition that causes pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot (metatarsal). You may suffer from this condition if you engage in activities like running or jumping. Other causes include foot deformities and shoes that are too tight or too loose.

Although generally not serious, metatarsalgia can cause discomfort. Fortunately, home treatments like applying ice and resting often alleviate symptoms. Wearing appropriate shoes with shock-absorbing insoles or arch supports can prevent or minimize future metatarsalgia issues.

Symptoms
Symptoms of metatarsalgia may include:

- Strong, continuous or intense pain in the ball of the foot, the area just behind the toes.
- Pain that worsens when standing, running, bending the foot, or walking, especially barefoot on a hard surface, and improves with rest.
- Sharp or stabbing pain, numbness, or tingling in the toes.
- A feeling of having a stone in the shoe.

When to see a doctor
Not all foot problems require medical attention. Sometimes, your feet hurt after standing for long periods or after intense exercise. However, ignoring foot pain after a few days, especially when it doesn’t improve, is not recommended. Talk to your doctor if you feel intense pain with a burning sensation at the tip of your foot and it doesn't improve after changing shoes and activities.

Causes
Sometimes a single factor can cause metatarsalgia. More often, it is a combination of factors, such as:

- Intense activity or training. Long-distance runners are at risk of developing metatarsalgia, primarily because the front of the foot absorbs a significant force when running. However, anyone involved in high-impact sports is at risk, especially if the shoes they wear are ill-fitting or worn out.
- Certain foot shapes. A high arch can put extra pressure on the metatarsal. The same can occur if you have a second toe longer than the big toe, causing more weight to shift onto the head of the second metatarsal bone.
- Foot deformities. Wearing shoes that are too small or high-heeled can deform the foot. A toe bent downward (hammer toe) or painful, swollen lumps at the base of the big toe (bunions) can cause metatarsalgia.
- Excess weight. Since most of your body weight is transferred to the front of the foot when you move, being overweight means more pressure on the metatarsal bones. Losing weight could reduce or eliminate symptoms.
- Inadequate footwear. High heels, which transfer extra weight to the front of the foot, are a common cause of metatarsalgia in women. Narrow-toed shoes or sports footwear that offers poor support and cushioning can also contribute to the problem.
- Stress fractures. These small fractures in the metatarsal or toe bones can be painful and alter how you distribute weight on the foot.
- Morton’s neuroma. This benign (non-cancerous) fibrous tissue tumor grows around a nerve, usually between the heads of the third and fourth metatarsal bones. It causes symptoms similar to metatarsalgia and can also put pressure on the metatarsal.

Risk Factors

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