How to Identify Symptoms of Metatarsalgia

Do you ever arrive home from work at the end of the day and feel like you've been walking on a stone all day? Metatarsalgia is a broad term that describes pain that is located on the ball of the foot, the area between the bottom of the toes and the arch on the bottom of your foot. While it is extremely painful, and affects mostly adults, especially those who stand or walk much of the day, learning how to identify symptoms of metatarsalgia may help to alleviate pain, as well as prevent complications such as stiffness, loss of range of motion and increased pain.Caused by excessive pressure on the metatarsals, or the five bones that reach from the toe joints to the arch of the foot, metatarsalgia may be successfully treated with a bit of tender, loving care for your feet and a good pair of shoes.

Instructions

• 1

  Pay attention to the condition of your feet. Do they throb or burn at the end of the day? Does it feel like you've had a stone or pebble lodged under the ball of your foot in your shoes, but when you take your shoe off, nothing is there? Metatarsalgia feels like a dull ache or burning sensation that may occur in one or both feet that is local to the ball of the foot.

• 2

  Feel your feet. Are they painful to touch? Do your toes feel numb or tingly? Those suffering from metatarsalgia often find tender spots near or around the ball of the foot that are tender or sensitive to touch. In most cases, the painful area feels much like a bruised area, without any signs of discoloration.

• 3

  Look at your feet. Are they swollen? Do you see rings around your ankle from your shoes or socks? Wearing shoes that don't fit correctly may cause metatarsalgia, as do cheaply made shoes or wearing shoes that are worn out. Invest in a good pair of shoes that fit your feet like a glove.

• 4

  Look in a mirror. Are you overweight? Additional weight puts pressure on your feet, which often results in metatarsalgia. The feet are responsible for support, posture and proper spinal alignment. Individuals suffering from metatarsalgia often experience joint pain in the legs, as well as lower back pain if not addressed and treated.