How To Treat Metatarsalgia

Metatarsalgia patients frequently experience more than one episode of the condition during their lifetime. Common symptoms of metatarsalgia include numbness or tingling in the foot, sharp pain when standing or walking, and the sensation of having something caught in the shoe. The disorder can be diagnosed through a physical exam, and most healthcare professionals recommend conservative treatments where possible. If all conservative treatments are unsuccessful, surgery to realign the metatarsal bones can be performed.

The following treatment methods may be helpful for patients with this condition.

What Is It, Exactly?

Metatarsalgia is the medical term for an ailment that causes pain in the ball of the foot. The condition is commonly classified as an overuse injury and particularly affects athletes and individuals who do lots of high-impact activities such as jumping and running. Being overweight or obese places excess force on the feet and can increase the risk of the disorder as well. The presence of hammertoe or other foot conditions may also increase the likelihood of developing metatarsalgia. Similarly, stress fractures and having a second toe longer than the big toe can produce extra foot strain that leads to this ailment. In addition, experts believe Morton's neuroma, a benign growth of tissue around the metatarsal heads, may trigger symptoms of metatarsalgia. Usually, the joints and tendons other than those of the big toe are most susceptible. The condition can be categorized as acute if it results from trauma, or chronic if it is due to repetitive strain.

Uncover the first method of treatment for this condition now.