Causes of Metatarsalgia

Where the three middle toes (metatarsals) intersect at the ball of your foot is an area that is under a tremendous amount of stress and pressure during walking and exercising. The condition called metatarsalgia is the result of Inflammation and damage that can cause severe pain and discomfort. Metatarsalgia has symptoms similar to neuroma, so be sure to see your foot doctor for the proper care.

Causes of metatarsalgia may include the following:

  • Wearing improperly fitted shoes: Always wear properly fitted shoes with a wide toe box. Custom orthotics can help to relieve stress and pressure on the metatarsals.

  • Hairline fractures: Stress fractures in your toes or other bones of the foot can cause radiating pain into the ball of the foot, exacerbating metatarsal problems.

  • Being severely overweight: The ball of the foot is a main contact point with the ground when you walk and exercise, and being obese increases the stress and pressure with every step.

  • Foot neuroma: This is a growth of fibrous tissue around a nerve. It often occurs between the metatarsal bones in the ball of the foot.

  • Hereditary influence: The propensity to develop metatarsalgia has a genetic component and people who have inherited flat feet are more likely to develop metatarsalgia. When your second toe is longer than your big toe, it can also increase the chances.

  • Athletic pursuits: Participants in high-impact sports like football, tennis, soccer, and basketball are more likely to develop metatarsalgia.

  • Various types of arthritis: can exacerbate metatarsal problems.

Treatments for metatarsalgia

Initial treatments for metatarsalgia consist of resting the affected foot and getting properly fitted and supportive footwear with custom molded orthotic inserts to redistribute pressure away from the ball of the foot.

If you have pain in the ball of your foot, see your foot doctor for the proper diagnosis and treatment. Contact Maple Springs Foot Center located in Gaithersburg, Maryland. With premium treatments, Dr. Stuart Snyder, Dr. Sara Sharma, and Dr. Sahar Zadeh can help you manage all of your foot and ankle issues. Call (301) 762-3338 or book an online appointment. Your feet deserve the best!

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