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Relief for Forefoot Pain

Persistent pain in the ball of your foot from metatarsalgia is a common overuse injury in athletes. At South Florida Foot & Ankle Centers, the podiatry specialists offer on-site X-rays and other diagnostic testing services in Royal Palm Beach, Lake Worth, Palm Beach Gardens, and Belle Glade, Florida. They can treat your existing metatarsalgia symptoms and help prevent recurrent overuse injuries when you return to physical activity.
Diagnosis
Precise Diagnosis

We assess your gait, footwear, and lifestyle to identify the exact source of your forefoot pain.

Treatment
Customized Treatment

From orthotics to physical therapy and activity modifications, we focus on noninvasive relief options first.

Pain-Free
Pain-Free Mobility

Our goal is to restore function and comfort so you can move freely without pain.

Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Care

Expert treatments for every condition, from heel pain to sports injuries. Personalized solutions designed for comfort, strength, and recovery.
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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.
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.
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.
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.

Metatarsalgia Q & A

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