What is Metatarsalgia?
Metatarsalgia is pain that occurs in the ball of the foot. The discomfort may feel like a burning, sharp, or dull sensation just behind the toes. The discomfort is usually worse when you are standing, walking or running and feels somewhat better when you are sitting or have had a prolonged period of rest. The pain tends to increase when you attempt to walk in bare feet. Unlike some other foot disorders, metatarsalgia is not necessarily worse in the morning, but tends to be more painful when you have been on your feet for a prolonged period of time.

What causes Metatarsalgia?
The pain of metatarsalgia is due to pain from the metatarsal bones. The metatarsal bones run from the arch in the foot to the joint at the toes. Normally when you walk, just as your heel lifts off the ground and you are about to push off with your toes, your weight shifts to your first and second toes (your big toe and the one next to it). When you increase your activity by increasing the amount of walking, running or jumping that you do, these metatarsal bones become stressed and pain arises. If you have a high arched foot, and wear shoes that do not have good arch supports in them, you increase the stress on these metatarsal bones, increasing your risk of developing metatarsalgia. Some other conditions that can increase the likelihood of developing metatarsalgia are having toe deformities, bunions, increased weight and old age. Anything that alters your walking mechanics, such as a bunion or a knee injury can alter the way that you walk resulting in pain. Wearing unsupportive shoes, especially high heels that push your weight forward onto your toes, can increase the symptoms of metatarsalgia.

How to treat Metatarsalgia
Metatarsalgia is often treated by eliminating or reducing the causes of stress on the metatarsals. This is often done by 1) purchasing shoes that fit your feet appropriately and have an appropriate arch support that supports your foots natural arch 2) stopping or decreasing the activity, such as running, that caused the problem 3) icing the area to dccrease the inflammation 4) treating or repairing the other joint problems that may be altering your walking pattern leading to metatarsalgia. If the pain does not resolve within a short period of time, setting up an appointment with a podiatrist, physical therapist or your physician would be advisable. Before beginning any self-treatment for metatarsalgia, you should consult one of the above three healthcare practitioners.

How Peoplefit can help
Peoplefit Health and Fitness Center is devoted to improving the health and wellness of people in the greater Woburn community. We use our expertise to create safe and effective individualized exercise programs in order to help you reach your goals. If you would like to speak with a physical therapist about exercise and its effects on any health related condition, please contact us.