Metatarsalgia

Metatarsalgia: A Physiotherapist’s Guide

What is Metatarsalgia?

Metatarsalgia, commonly known as ball of foot pain, arises from issues with the metatarsals, the long bones in your foot. As physiotherapists, we see how this condition affects people’s daily activities and walking. Disrupting the balance of these bones can lead to mild to severe foot pain and potentially foot deformity.

Causes of Metatarsalgia

Multiple factors, including bone abnormalities and systemic diseases like diabetes, can cause metatarsalgia. The most frequent cause involves changes in the posture of the foot’s long bones. These bones bear your weight during walking, and any weakness, abnormal length, or stress fracture can disrupt their function.

Other causes include:

• Enlarged metatarsal head
• Arthritis or joint degenerative diseases
• Diabetes-related nerve pain
• Calluses or skin lesions disrupting weight distribution
• Age-related changes in footpad tissue
• High-impact sports
• Poorly fitting footwear

Metatarsalgia

Symptoms to Watch Out For

The hallmark symptom of metatarsalgia is pain in the ball of the foot, especially noticeable when walking or engaging in sports. This chronic pain can hinder your ability to perform everyday tasks. Look out for discomfort in shoes and pain during activities that impact the feet, like running.

Metatarsalgia Treatment Approaches

Treatment varies depending on the cause. Here are some effective strategies:

• Footwear Adjustments: Choose shoes that evenly distribute weight across your foot. Avoid footwear that concentrates pressure on the ball and toes.
• Orthotics and Metatarsal Domes: These devices help separate foot bones, relieving pressure and preventing arch collapse. More info: Orthotics and Metatarsal Domes
• Massage: Massaging the affected area can ease swelling and pain, and improve circulation. More info: Foot massage.
• Anti-inflammatory Medications: While drugs like Ibuprofen may provide symptom relief, they do not tackle the underlying postural issues. Always consult a doctor before use.
• Targeted Exercises: PhysioWorks has developed foot arch posture exercises to strengthen foot muscles and correct foot posture. These can be more effective than passive solutions like orthotics.

Metatarsal Domes

The Importance of Foot Muscle Strength

Often, foot muscles weaken over time. The good news is that targeted exercises can often restore strength and function within weeks. However, it’s crucial to seek personalised advice from a physiotherapist, who can also identify other contributing factors like muscle tightness or referred pain.

Foot Posture Correction Exercises

When Surgery Might Be Necessary

In cases where non-invasive treatments fail, surgery might be an option.

Conclusion and Next Steps

Metatarsalgia can significantly impact your quality of life, but with the right approach, you can manage and alleviate the pain. Remember, footwear choices, orthotics, exercises, and professional advice play key roles in treatment. If you’re experiencing foot pain, don’t hesitate to consult a physiotherapist. We can provide tailored advice and treatment plans based on the latest research and your individual needs. Managing metatarsalgia effectively often means addressing the issue early, so seek professional advice to get back on your feet pain-free. Consult a physiotherapist or podiatrist for further advice on managing metatarsalgia.

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