Metatarsalgia Treatment

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Metatarsalgia is a term used to describe a group of forefoot conditions that cause pain, burning or discomfort under the ball of the foot or in the metatarsal bones. Each foot has five metatarsal bones that run from the arch of your foot to your toe joints.

Key symptoms of metatarsalgia include:

  • Pain and/or burning in the ball of your foot when standing, walking or running that improves when you rest

  • Sharp or shooting pain in your toes

  • Numbness or tingling in your toes

Causes of Metatarsalgia:

  • Intense activities

  • Foot trauma

  • Certain foot types such as high arches

  • Foot deformities
  • Arthritis
  • Fat pad deterioration (thinning of the protective fat pads that cushion the balls of the foot)
  • Bunions

  • Excessive weight

  • Improper fitting footwear

There are many other common types of painful forefoot conditions. Schedule an appointment with a Canadian Certifed Pedorthist for an assessment to determine how pedorthic treatment can help alleviate your pain.

Pedorthic Pointers for Patients

To alleviate the pain caused by forefoot conditions, Canadian Certified Pedorthists recommend selecting footwear with:

  • Wide, square toe boxes to allow proper room for toes and avoid friction on sensitive areas

  • Low heels (less than 1″ or 2.5 cm) to reduce stress on the ball of the foot

  • No stitching over areas where bones and joints are more prominent

  • Thicker soles to help absorb shock

  • Stiff, rocker-bottom soles to help reduce strain on the ball of the foot during toe off.

  • Strong heel counters to help control foot motion

To make an appointment with a Pedorthist to receive an examination and get fitted for a custom-made foot orthotic, click here to find a Pedorthist near you.