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Metatarsalgia
Medical Questions » Metatarsalgia
| Name: Metatarsalgia |
| Also known as: |
| Inflammation of one or more of the long bones in the front half of the foot (metatarsals). May be caused by a stress fracture (march fracture — see separate entry), by inflammation of one of the nerves that run beside the metatarsal bone (Morton' s metatarsalgia), or by flattening and thinning of the forefoot fat pad and transverse arch that protects the foot bones when walking or running. |
Causes of Metatarsalgia
Running or jogging on hard surfaces and in poor footwear. An unusually long walk or climb, may also trigger an attack. Morton' s metatarsalgia is more common in middle-aged women. |
Symptoms of Metatarsalgia
Varying degrees of pain in the ball of the foot, or in the front half of the foot beside the ball. Every step may be painful, running excruciating, and patients often adopt an unusual way of walking by taking the weight on their heels or one side of the foot. |
Tests for Metatarsalgia
None diagnostic. |
Treatment for Metatarsalgia
Morton' s metatarsalgia: inserting a shock absorbing insole into the shoes, taking anti-inflammatory medications, steroid injections around the nerve, or in severe cases having an operation to remove the damaged section of nerve. Damage to the forefoot arch and fat pad: physiotherapy to strengthen the small muscles within the foot, sponge rubber insoles and antiinflammatory medications to give relief from persistent pain.
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Complications of Metatarsalgia of its treatment
Knee, hip and back pain from unusual walking pattern (gait). |
Likely Outcome of Metatarsalgia
Often persistent, but reasonable symptom relief possible. |
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