Metatarsalgia / Ball of Foot Pain

In this post we will discuss metatarsalgia and the appropriate treatment plan. Metatarsalgia is a generalized pain and discomfort across the ball of the foot. It is usually described as an ache that worsens the longer the person is on their feet. It often develops over time and is not usually associated with a single event or trauma. It basically is a generalized inflammation of the tendons and/or joints under the ball of the foot. This area can become inflamed through overuse, improper shoes, reduced fat pad (atrophy of the plantar fat pad) In some patients there is a knuckle that may have become more prominent than the others, thus, absorbing an abnormal amount of force when walking. Tightness in the calf and heel cord (Achilles) may also increase the pressure across the ball of the foot thus, the importance of stretching when treating this condition.

Treatment :

1) Keep bare feet to a minimum, even around the house. Like all injuries, try to protect the painful area. Good shoes and cushioned inserts can help a lot. To see appropriate types of inserts, click the " Helpful Foot Pain Products " link found above.

2) Ice massage can help reduce some of the inflammation. Ice massage can be performed directly on the skin for 20 min (no longer). 2-3 times per day.

3) Over the counter anti-inflammatories as directed on the packaging.

4) Stretch the calf muscles and Achilles tendon. When they are tight they pull the heel up more forcefully which pushes the ball of the foot into the ground more forcefully when walking or running.

If not responding to these simple things after 2-4 weeks of faithfully working on it, then there may be more going on. As mentioned above, sometimes one of the knuckles may be more prominent than the others and causing pain or even a hammer toe. This may require surgery. Seek medical attention if pain persists.