Metatarsalgia refers to pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot. This is the area between the arches and toes on the bottom of the foot. Metatarsalgia centers under the five bones at the bases of the toes, the metatarsals. Metatarsalgia is often accompanied by excessive callus formation over a bony protrusion, with severe pain and pressure sensitivity around the callus.
CAUSES:
- Wearing ill-fitting shoes
- Your shoes may be too tight, squeezing your foot. Or your shoes may be too loose, making your foot slide back and forth.
- High heels or sneakers: These shoes can cause you to put more weight on the ball of your foot.
- Obese persons
- Being overweight or obese puts more pressure on your feet and metatarsal area.
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Arthritis in your toes and metatarsal bones can increase the stress on the ball of your foot.
TREATMENT
- Exercise therapy including stretching certain foot and ankle muscles, strengthening foot intrinsic muscles and self-mobilizations exercises targeted at the joints of the foot and ankle.
- Manual therapy in order to improve tissue mobility, range of motion and decrease pain
- Education regarding proper footwear and training load management
- You may also be able to ease pain and prevent recurrence by replacing your shoes with a well-fitting pair with good support. You should also avoid wearing high-heeled shoes.
- If indicated prescription of orthotics or metatarsal pads
Authors
Dr . P. Senthil Selvam, PhD
Professor & HOD, School of Physiotherapy, VISTAS, Chennai.
Dr .D. Hepzibah Rubella, MPT (Ortho)
Research Scholar, School of Physiotherapy, VISTAS, Chennai.
Vels Institute of Science, Technology & Advanced Studies (VISTAS)