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Metatarsalgia is often used as a general term to cover various conditions that cause pain in the forefoot area. It affects the region where the metatarsal bones (the long bones in the middle of the foot) connect with the toes, often leading to a sharp, burning, or aching sensation in this area.
Most Common Conditions Causing Forefoot Pain
Morton's Neuroma: A thickening of the nerve tissue in the forefoot, resulting in sharp, burning pain and numbness.
Plantar Plate Injury: Damage to the plantar plate, a ligament supporting the toe joints, causing pain and swelling in the ball of the foot.
Metatarsal Stress Fractures: Small fractures in the metatarsal bones, typically due to repetitive stress or overuse.
Bunions: Bony protrusion at the big toe, which can cause pain in the forefoot.
Bursitis: Inflammation of a bursa, the fluid-filled sac in the foot, leading to pain and swelling.
Capsulitis: Inflammation of the joint capsule at the base of the toes, causing pain and swelling in the forefoot area.
Sesamoiditis: Inflammation of the sesamoid bones, which are small bones embedded in tendons beneath the big toe, resulting in pain in the ball of the foot.
Arthritis: Inflammation of the joints in the forefoot, which can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling.
Signs and Symptoms of Metatarsalgia
Pain in the ball of the foot
Discomfort when walking or running
Swelling around the ball of the foot
Numbness, tingling, or a sensation of walking on pebbles
Increased pain in specific shoes, especially tight-fitting ones
Tenderness to touch
Causes and Risk Factors for Metatarsalgia
High-Impact Activities or Repetitive Stress: Sports or activities that place excessive stress on the forefoot.
Improper Footwear: Shoes that fail to provide adequate support or cushioning.
Foot Deformities: Structural issues such as flat feet or high arches.
Obesity: Extra weight increases pressure on the feet.
Age: The risk grows with age due to accumulated wear and tear on foot structures.
Previous Injuries: Past injuries to the foot or toes may increase the risk of developing metatarsalgia.
Arthritis: Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis affecting the metatarsal joints.
Treatment and Management of Metatarsalgia
Managing metatarsalgia involves addressing the specific condition causing the pain. Typically, treatment focuses on offloading the forefoot to facilitate healing.
At Realign Podiatry, our podiatrists conduct thorough assessments and provide tailored treatment plans, which may include recommendations for appropriate footwear, the use of forefoot cushioning, custom orthotics for enhanced support, targeted exercises to stretch and strengthen affected areas, strapping techniques, and, where necessary, shockwave therapy for persistent symptoms.
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