Metatarsalgia Relief

Metatarsalgia is simply inflammation and pain of the ball of the foot. The inflammation typically occurs in the nerve that runs between the third and fourth foot bones. Unlike other foot conditions such as plantar fasciitis, it is typically a minor condition that rarely requires anything more than rest or a variety of at-home remedies. In severe cases where these treatments are ineffective, surgery may be considered to realign the metatarsal bones.

Causes and Symptoms

• Metatarsalgia typically occurs when an excess of weight and pressure is applied to the metatarsals, the bones that run from the arch of the foot to the toe joints, catching the nerves that run between the bones. As such, those who are physically active (especially runners) or who have a high arch in their foot can cause pressure to shift on one or more individual metatarsal, causing inflammation and pain.

  Other factors include obesity, poorly fitted shoes and a number of other foot conditions that can cause a shift in pressure, such as bunions and hammertoes. Morton's neuroma, a noncancerous growth of fibrous tissue around a nerve can emulate symptoms associated with metatarsalgia, can contribute to the stress placed on the metatarsals. This is more common in runners and those who wear ill-fitting shoes or high heels.

  Symptoms include pain around the toes and ball of the foot that can be sharp, burning, aching, or shooting. This pain is exacerbated by walking or running, as well as by walking barefoot on a hard surface. Some patients might even feel as if they're walking around with a pebble in their shoe. The symptoms typically develop over time, though they have been known to occur without warning. While it is recommended you visit a doctor should the pain continue despite treatment or get worse, more often than not the condition can be treated at home.

At-Home Treatment

• The best way to treat metatarsalgia is to simply rest the affected foot. Ceasing all high-impact activity is suggested, though low-impact exercises such as swimming or cycling are recommended as alternatives.

  In addition to rest, simple stretching exercises and applying ice to the affected area several times a day for about twenty minutes at a time can help alleviate pain and decrease the inflammation.

  Wearing properly-fitted shoes or employing the use of arch supports, metatarsal pads, and shock-absorbing insoles can help prevent excess pressure from being placed on the foot, as well as controlling motion. Rigid arch supports made of plastic or carbon fiber are designed to control the motion of the foot and may be used in conjunction with metatarsal pads.

Medical Treatment

• Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen, naproxen and aspirin are the only recommended drug treatment for metatarsalgia. They work simply by alleviating the pain and inflammation associated with the condition.

  If a bunion or callus is causing the condition, the aforementioned pain relievers combined with emollients (soothes and softens the skin), astringents (constricts tissues), or ointments can provide relief. In rare cases, a corticosteroid injection may be suggested.