Metatarsalgia: pain in the ball of the foot
Metatarsalgia is characterized by pain under the foot at the base of the toes, caused by inflammation in the plantar area in front of the arch. It often results from excess pressure on the forefoot, affecting the metatarsal joints. This generally benign condition may be relieved by wearing foot orthotics and resting.
At Laboratoire Orthopédique, we frequently treat this type of pain and offer solutions adapted to restoring mobility and improving quality of life.
Symptoms of metatarsalgia
Symptoms of metatarsalgia may include:
Are you experiencing pain and in need of orthotics?
When pain persists and mobility is reduced, our orthotics can provide meaningful relief and improve your quality of life.
Causes of metatarsalgia
Metatarsalgia results from excess pressure on the forefoot, causing inflammation around the metatarsals. The pain is often related to collapse of the metatarsal heads, which causes poor pressure distribution.
This pain can have several causes:
- Unsuitable footwear, such as high heels or narrow shoes, that contributes to foot dysfunction, including high arches, and pathomechanical abnormalities;
- Intense athletic activity, injury, excessive foot strain or a strong impact;
- Conditions such as obesity, diabetes, arthritis or gout.
Metatarsalgia: possible treatments for this condition
Treating metatarsalgia requires reducing pressure on the foot. Wearingfoot orthotics moulded with a metatarsal pad reduces pressure on the painful area. Orthopedic shoes may also be recommended by physicians to prevent compression of the metatarsal heads and reduce pain. Choose shoes with heels under one inch and thick rocker soles to limit toe flexion.
Are you experiencing pain?
Book an appointment for a consultation at the Laboratoire Orthopédique.