Metatarsalgia
Metatarsalgia is the pain and inflammation caused by injury to the ball of the foot. Although thought of as a symptom of other conditions rather than a specific disease, it is still considered a common overuse injury.
Anatomy
Metatarsalgia, a forefoot injury, can occur in anyone, though athletes who take part in intense sports that involve running or jumping are at the highest risk. Metatarsalgia occurs when there is strong or unusual pressure on the ball of the foot, creating pain and inflammation.
Description
Metatarsalgia can be caused by injury during sport or physical activity. If there is an abnormal weight distribution or unusual movement, the foot is more susceptible. Metatarsalgia pain generally occurs over time rather than immediately, and can last several months with increasing severity.

Symptoms
Symptoms include irritation and inflammation of the ball of the foot and pain at the end of one or more of the metatarsal bones. The factors that contribute to metatarsalgia can include:
- Tight toe muscles
- Weak toe muscles
- Hypermobile first foot bone (when joints move easily beyond the normal range expected for that particular joint)
- Tight Achilles tendon
- Loose or tight footwear
- High or unusual levels or physical activity
- Hammertoe deformity
- Excessive side-to-side movements when walking
Also, some medical conditions may predispose individuals to metatarsalgia problems. These can include:
- A high arch
- Hammertoe deformity
- A short first metatarsal bone or a long second metatarsal bone
Pain is usually aggravated when walking or running. Athletes who have inflammatory conditions such as bursitis often also have forefoot pain.

Diagnosis
Your Florida Orthopaedic Institute physician will evaluate your symptoms and examine your foot. From there, they will assist you in assessing which treatment options are best.
Various tests can assist in pinpointing places of inflammation and damage, and help identify conditions that could be causing metatarsalgia such as bursitis or Morton neuroma.
Your physician may also determine that an MRI scan (magnetic resonance imaging) is the best option to detect and diagnose any disorders or conditions that result from any biomechanical imbalance.

Treatment
Fortunately, metatarsalgia can be treated in most cases by rehabilitation and does not need any surgical intervention. Your physician will help you determine which course of treatment and rehabilitation practices are right for you.
Nonsurgical Treament
Icing the foot and applying a pressure bandage can help start the healing process. Your physician may also recommend not standing on the foot for a few days while it gets adjusted to the pressure bandage.
Rehabilitation can assist in getting back on your feet quicker by restoring the range of motion. Recreational therapy such as swimming can be a good alternative to normal weight-bearing sports. Supportive shoes should be worn and are also an effective treatment.
It is important to not disrupt the healing process by following your physician’s orders – stretching properly and not returning to physical activity until given the go-ahead to do so.
Surgical Treament
In extreme cases, surgery may be recommended to treat metatarsalgia. If there is severe pain and inflammation that does not subside, surgical realignment of the metatarsal bones may be required. Your Florida Orthopaedic Institute physician will evaluate your treatment progress and discuss with you any additional surgical procedures that they feel are needed.
The Next Step
Florida Orthopaedic Institute’s team of dedicated and professional physicians are up-to-date on the latest treatment. Schedule a consultation today to get back on your feet and feeling better faster.
Download Our Free PDF
Download our free pdf: “Everything You Need To Know About Metatarsalgia.”

Areas of Focus
- Foot, Ankle & Lower Leg
- Achilles Tendinitis - Achilles Insertional Calcific Tendinopathy (ACIT)
- Achilles Tendon Rupture
- Achilles Tendonitis
- Ankle Fracture Surgery
- Ankle Fractures (Broken Ankle)
- Ankle Fusion Surgery
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- Common Foot Fractures in Athletes
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- Orthopedic Physician Or A Podiatrist?
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- Sports Foot Injuries
- Sprained Ankle
- Total Ankle Replacement
- Turf Toe
The following Florida Orthopaedic Institute physicians specialize in Foot, Ankle & Lower Leg:
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- Achilles Tendon Rupture
- Achilles Tendonitis
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- Ankle Fractures (Broken Ankle)
- Ankle Fusion Surgery
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- Arthroscopic Chondroplasty
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- Articular Cartilage Restoration
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- Aspiration of the Olecranon Bursa
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- Bone Cement Injection
- Bone Growth Stimulation
- Bone Health Clinic
- Broken Collarbone
- Bunions
- Bursitis of the Shoulder (Subacromial Bursitis)
- Calcific Tendinitis of the Shoulder
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Charcot Joint
- Chiropractic
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- Common Foot Fractures in Athletes
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