Metatarsalgia

Metatarsalgia commonly refers to all kinds of pain experienced in the metatarsal region (the ball) of the foot. It takes place in that part of the foot, where the 2nd, 3rd and 4th toes unite with the metatarsal heads or the balls of the foot.
Symptoms of Metatarsalgia
They symptoms of Metatarsalgia include:

• Aching or burning feeling in the metatarsal areas / balls of the feet
• A sensation like “a walk on pebbles”
• Prickling or unconsciousness in the area around the toes
• Severe increasing pain in the toes
• The pain getting worse while walking or standing

The amount of pain experienced may vary from being fairly mild to severe depending on the level of the condition. Metatarsalgia may either afflict the entire foot or just one more toes.

Causes of Metatarsalgia

There are several causes of the occurrence of Metatarsalgia. Any action that exerts excessive pressure on the balls of the foot/feet can lead to severe issues.
Some of the common causes of Metatarsalgia are:

• Faultily fitting footwear – These include smaller sized or high heeled boots and shoes. Shoes that have a narrow toe space or high heels pressurize the metatarsal area of the foot by forcibly narrowing it into a smaller space.
• Overweight – being overweight increases the pressure on the foot, causing Metatarsalgia conditions.
• Age – Elderly people are prone to be affected by Metatarsalgia, due to the thinning down of the fat pad those safeguards the foot, leading to extreme pain in the ball of the foot.
• Stress fractures – pain due to stress fractures aggravates too quickly.
• Certain bone structures – flat feet, narrow feet and high arched feet intensify the chances of Metatarsalgia
• High level sports
• Bunion joints – these pressurize different parts of the foot, by affecting the working of a foot.

Medical conditions that can turn out to be the causes:

• Hammer toes or claw
• Morton’s neuroma
• Accumulation of excess fluid in the foot
• Gout, arthritis or inflammation of the joints

Diagnosis of Metatarsalgia

From the beginning itself, Metatarsalgia needs to the diagnosed perfectly so that corrective methods and levels of treatment have been received. The foot specialist initially enquires about the patient’s medical history, footwear used, hobbies, lifestyle and the exact location and details of the pain felt. At times the use of a blood test, MRI, ultrasound or X-ray is made to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment of Metatarsalgia

The different treatments followed are:
Anti inflammatory non-steroidal drugs, like ibuprofen, help preventing irritation and reduce pain.
Orthotics (special fitting insoles) is made accordingly to perk up the foot function, stabilize the pressure and safeguard the metatarsal area of the fool. Even gel pads give quick relief.
Shock absorbing insoles that are fitted inside the shoes to protect the feet from shocks while walking or in movement.
At times, X-rays and ultrasound-guided injection of steroids in the joints help in reducing pain and swelling.
In severe cases of the condition, a realignment of the metatarsal bones by performing a surgery is advised.

A few preventive methods are:

• Limit the amount of running or walking done
• Wear well fitted and comfortable shoes
• Rest with your foot up
• In case of being overweight, try to shed off the excess weight