Download Metatarsalgia (pain over ball of foot)

I have been told I have...
Metatarsalgia (pain over ball of
foot)
Metatarsalgia is the name given to pain felt under the Metatarsal heads (the ball of
your foot area on the sole of the foot just before your toes).
How common is it?
It usually occurs in and after middle age and is quite common. It can also occur in younger people,
particularly athletes.
What are the symptoms?
Metatarsalgia usually comes on gradually over some weeks rather than suddenly.
Common symptoms include:
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The affected area may feel tender when you press on it.
There is pain through your foot on weight bearing. This is often described as similar to walking on
pebbles or having a stone in your shoe.
Your foot can be swollen.
Why does it occur?
There are many causes of metatarsalgia, including:
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Being overweight — This can put extra stress on the feet in general.
Wearing high-heeled shoes or wearing footwear that is poorly fitted or too tight.
Altered foot mechanics such as a high arched foot, claw or hammer toes and bunions.
Stiff ankles.
Arthritis and gout can cause inflammation of the joints in the ball of the foot or of the big toe.
Overuse injury in athletes and walkers.
A stretched or irritated nerve in the ball of the foot. This is also known as a Morton’s neuroma.
Diabetes can cause damage to the nerves in the feet and can also be a cause of Metatarsalgia.
What tests may be done?
The main way we diagnose metatarsalgia is through what you tell us and by examining your foot.
X-rays are sometimes needed to look at the bones and the joints.
Blood tests can be performed to check for arthritis, gout and diabetes.
Acknowledgement to NHS Tayside Musculoskeletal Redesign Group
V1. December. 2015
What are my treatment options?
Metatarsalgia can be treated by:
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Resting with your feet up.
Wear well fitting shoes with a low heel and a wide toe area.
Reduce your weight.
Put metatarsal pads in your shoes to help relieve pressure on the ball of your foot.
Physiotherapy — A thorough assessment of your foot and ankle will be carried out. Treatment may
include advice and exercises.
Pain and anti-inflammatory medication.
You can find more information about treating muscle, bone and join problems in the NHS inform MSK
Zone.
You can also find personal footcare advice in the Scottish Government booklet, Personal footcare, Looking
after your feet, available through the Personal footcare portal
Further information
If you have a muscle, bone or joint problem, visit the MSK Zone on NHS inform for self-management advice
and exercises to get you moving normally, and safely.
Acknowledgement to NHS Tayside Musculoskeletal Redesign Group
V1. December. 2015