Chronic pain in the ball of the foot can be extremely debilitating, says Dr. Adam Teichman, owner and founder of East Penn Foot & Ankle Associates in Allentown, Easton, and Reading, Pennsylvania. That’s why he recommends special treatment for what is known as metatarsalgia, a painful foot condition that affects this area and needs special treatment to make it disappear.
Metatarsalgia is a general term used for painful foot condition in the metartarsal region of the foot, the area just before the toes. Some people might refer to it as the ball of the foot. This is a common disorder that can affect the bones and joints at the ball of the foot, often located within the second, third and fourth metatarsal heads.
What causes metatarsalgia is when the metatarsal area become painful and inflamed due to excessive pressure over a long period of time. Wearing shoes with high heels that are too high, or participating in high-impact sporting or other physical activities without wearing proper footwear or orthotics can cause or exacerbate the symptoms.
Another reason we get metatarsalgia is because the fat pads can thin out on the bottom of the foot as we get older. As a result of this thinning out, it can cause us to be more susceptible to pain in the region.
Symptoms of Metatarsalgia
The symptoms of metatarsalgia can cause acute recurrent or chronic pain within the ball of the foot. It is not something that occurs once and leaves; it is more chronic. You will know that something is wrong.
How do we treat the symptoms? Well, first we determine where the pain is localized. If improper fitting footwear is the cause, we suggest it be changed, such as not wearing high heels, or having shoes with a wider toe box. Sometimes we even recommend wearing a rocker sole to reduce stress at the ball of the foot.
We also tell patients who have been diagnosed with metatarsalgia to try and unload the pressure off the ball of the foot, which can be accomplished with orthotics. That will involve wearing a special metatarsal pad which is placed behind the ball of the foot to relieve pressure and redistribute weight within the foot. Also, gel pads can be used.
Surgery an Option
If the problem persists for a longer period of time, then surgery might be an option. This would include fat pad replacement and metatarsal shortening procedures. See your podiatric foot and ankle physician for more information if you are experiencing chronic pain in the ball of your foot, which could easily be metatarsalgia.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
