Metatarsalgia Specialist

What is metatarsalgia?

Metatarsalgia describes inflammation and pain that affects the ball of your foot, the area below your big toe. This condition isn’t a disease but rather a symptom of another issue.

In many cases, metatarsalgia can result from participation in high-impact activities like sports. If you frequently run or jump as part of a sport or to stay physically active, it can result in the pain and inflammation of metatarsalgia.

You might also experience metatarsalgia symptoms if you often wear ill-fitting shoes or if you have Morton’s neuroma, a noncancerous growth of fibrous tissue that presses on surrounding nerves in your foot.

What are the symptoms of metatarsalgia?

Metatarsalgia can cause pain in the ball of your foot that might feel sharp or burning. This pain can also radiate into your toes, especially when you put pressure on the ball of your foot. If you walk barefoot or try to flex your feet, your pain will likely worsen.

As the inflammation increases, you might experience tingling sensations or numbness in the ball of your foot.

These symptoms may worsen during activity but go away while you’re resting. You can also use ice therapy to reduce inflammation and pain. If your pain continues and begins to interfere with your activities, you should schedule a diagnostic evaluation at South Florida Foot & Ankle Centers.

How is metatarsalgia diagnosed?

The South Florida Foot & Ankle Centers providers offer in-office foot evaluations to confirm metatarsalgia and rule out other conditions quickly. 

They spend time reviewing your medical history, your symptoms, and the activities that you participate in to determine what might be causing your pain.

The providers also offer on-site X-rays to get a closer look at the ball of your foot and rule out issues like stress fractures that can cause similar symptoms.

Once they understand your condition, your physician will customize a treatment plan that focuses on pain relief and preventing additional overuse injuries in your feet.

How is metatarsalgia treated?

One of the most effective ways to relieve pain and other symptoms of metatarsalgia is by getting adequate rest to take the pressure off your feet. You can also ice the area and keep your feet elevating when resting.

The South Florida Foot & Ankle Centers team can also recommend supportive shoes that will help reduce the impact jumping and running have on your feet. They offer custom orthotics that can help cushion your feet and prevent additional overuse injuries when you return to sports.

To schedule a diagnostic evaluation for metatarsalgia, call the South Florida Foot & Ankle Centers office nearest you or book an appointment online today. You can also visit the center as a walk-in.