Metatarsalgia
Treatment that delivers better results
What is metatarsalgia?
Metatarsalgia is a general term used to describe pain around your toes or the ball of your foot. This may be around a single joint or may give widespread pain around all the toes.
What are the causes of metatarsalgia?
- Pain is usually caused by repeated physical stress and loading of the metatarsal heads (long bones in your feet). The big toe joint and the 2nd toe are commonly affected.
- Tight fitting, high heeled shoes
- Increased body weight.
- Inflammation of the nerve that supplies the toes (Morton’s Neuroma) can also cause pain.
- Joint stiffness or deformity of the foot or toes.
- Reduced blood supply to the bones can cause pain, although this is a relatively rare situation.
What are the signs and symptoms?
- Pain in the ball of your foot which is worse with standing or walking.
- Pain usually eases with rest and soft insoled shoes.
- Often the problem starts as an ache and gradually becomes more painful if simple measures are not taken.
How do I manage this problem?
- Wear comfortable shoes.
- Keep your weight under control.
- Exercises including stretches to improve the flexibility in the joints and muscles around your ankle and foot.
What other treatments are available?
- Your podiatrist may recommend orthotic inserts for your footwear to ease the pressure in the painful area. This may be in the form of metatarsal pads or a heel wedge.
- An X-ray or scan may be recommended to look for other causes of your pain if symptoms persist after regular treatment.
Foot pain advice
Our locations
How to access our services
Self referrals and referrals through your GP
To refer yourself to Healthshare or see if we operate in your area please follow the link below.
Your GP can also refer you, see details here.