Metatarsalgia

Metatarsalgia
Synonyms
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	Podiatry, Orthopedics
Symptoms	Pain in the ball of the foot, inflammation
Complications
Onset
Duration
Types
Causes	Overuse, foot deformities, ill-fitting footwear
Risks	High-impact sports, obesity, aging
Diagnosis	Physical examination, X-ray
Differential diagnosis	Morton's neuroma, stress fracture, arthritis
Prevention	Proper footwear, orthotics, weight management
Treatment	Rest, ice, pain relievers, physical therapy
Medication	Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Prognosis	Generally good with treatment
Frequency	Common
Deaths	N/A

Metatarsalgia is a condition characterized by pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot. It is often associated with high impact activities and certain foot shapes or conditions.

Causes

Metatarsalgia is often caused by overuse injuries during high impact sports, foot deformities, or shoes that do not fit properly. Other causes can include obesity, stress fractures, Morton's neuroma, and arthritis.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of metatarsalgia is pain at the end of one or more of the metatarsal bones. The pain is usually present during walking or running and can be accompanied by a sharp, aching or burning sensation, or a feeling of having a pebble in your shoe.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of metatarsalgia begins with a physical examination of the foot. The doctor may also order X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI to rule out other conditions.

Treatment

Treatment for metatarsalgia focuses on relieving the pain and inflammation. This can be achieved through rest, ice, over-the-counter pain relievers, and shoe inserts. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

Prevention

Prevention strategies for metatarsalgia include wearing properly fitting shoes, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding high impact activities.

See also

• Foot pain
• Morton's neuroma
• Stress fractures