Metatarsalgia, a painful inflammation in the ball of the foot, commonly stems from overuse injuries in sports that involve running and jumping. Wearing poorly fitting shoes, foot abnormalities like high arches or bunions, and conditions such as arthritis can also contribute to this condition. Pain in the ball of the foot typically develops gradually and may worsen with activities like standing, walking, or high-impact sports. Symptoms can include a sensation of walking on a pebble, sharp burning pain, and numbness or tingling in the toes. Treatment by a podiatrist focuses on addressing the underlying cause and relieving pain. Conservative measures include resting the foot and taking pain relievers. Changing to well-fitting shoes with good support and using orthotic pads can also help to alleviate discomfort. Weight loss, if applicable, can reduce pressure on the metatarsal area. In more persistent cases, custom orthotics may be recommended to improve gait and foot mechanics. Surgery is considered to be a last resort if conservative treatments fail. If you are experiencing pain in the ball of the foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment options.
Foot Pain
Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dr. Howard Horowitz from Bowie Foot & Ankle . Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Causes
Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:
- Bunions
- Hammertoes
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Bone Spurs
- Corns
- Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
- Ingrown Toenails
- Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
- Flat Feet
- Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
- And more
Diagnosis
To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.
Treatment
Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Bowie, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
