Metatarsalgia is a condition that causes pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot at the metatarsal bone. You may experience this condition if you participate in activities such as running or jumping. Other causes include foot deformities and shoes that are too tight or too large.

Although usually mild, metatarsalgia can leave you temporarily incapacitated. Treatments such as applying ice, soaking your feet in warm salt and vinegar water, or resting often relieve symptoms. Wearing appropriate footwear, such as " therapeutic and biomechanical boccia footwear ," with shock-absorbing insoles or arch supports, may prevent or minimize problems with metatarsalgia .

Symptoms

Symptoms of metatarsalgia may include:

1. “ Sharp,” aching, or burning pain in the sole of the foot, the part of the sole just behind the toes
2. “Pain that worsens” when standing, running, flexing your feet, or walking, especially barefoot on a hard surface, and that improves with rest
3. “Sharp or stabbing pain,” numbness, or tingling in the toes
4. A feeling of having a pebble in your shoe

When to see a doctor

Not all foot problems require medical attention. Sometimes your feet hurt when you stand for a long time or after a strenuous workout. However, don't ignore "foot pain" if it doesn't improve after a few days. See your doctor if you experience "severe pain," with a burning sensation, on the sole of your foot and it doesn't improve after several days.

Causes of Metatarsalgia

Sometimes a single factor can cause metatarsalgia . But more often, several factors cause the condition, such as:

• Intense activity or training. Long-distance runners are at risk for metatarsalgia , primarily because the forefoot absorbs considerable force when running. But anyone who participates in a high-impact sport is at risk, especially if their shoes don't fit properly or are worn.
• Certain foot shapes. A high plantar arch puts additional pressure on the metatarsal bone . The same thing happens when a second toe is longer than the big toe. This causes more weight than normal to shift to the head of the second metatarsal bone .
• “Foot deformities.” Wearing shoes that are too small or high heels deforms the foot. A bent toe (“ hammer toe” ) or swollen, painful bumps at the base of the big toe (“ bunions” ) cause “ metatarsalgia.”
• “Excess weight.” Because most of the body's weight is transferred to the front of the foot when we move, being overweight means increased pressure on the metatarsal bones . Losing weight helps reduce or eliminate symptoms.
• Improper footwear. High-heeled shoes transfer additional weight to the front of the foot and are a common cause of metatarsalgia in women. Narrow-toed shoes or athletic shoes that lack support and cushioning also contribute to the problem.
• “Stress fractures.” These small fractures of the metatarsal bones or toes are painful and change the way weight is placed on the foot.
• Morton's neuroma. This benign (noncancerous) tumor of fibrous tissue that grows around a nerve usually forms between the heads of the third and fourth metatarsal bones . It causes symptoms similar to metatarsalgia and puts stress on the metatarsal bone.

Risk factors

Anyone can suffer from metatarsalgia , but the risk is higher in the following cases:

• Participate in high-performance sports that include activities such as running or jumping
• Wearing high heels, ill-fitting shoes , or shoes with studs or spikes, such as some types of athletic shoes
• Being “overweight”
• Having other “foot problems,” such as “hammer toes” or “calluses” on the sole of the foot
• Having some type of “inflammatory arthritis,” such as “rheumatoid arthritis” or “gout”

Complications

If left untreated, metatarsalgia may cause pain in other parts of the same foot or the other foot, as well as pain in any other part of the body, such as the lumbar region (lower back ) or hip , due to a limp (an alteration in gait or walking style) resulting from the foot pain .

Treatment

In all cases of “metatarsalgia” and even before symptoms appear, it is advisable to use shoes suitable for each activity, “ THERAPEUTIC AND BIOMECHANICAL BOCCIO FOOTWEAR ” preferably manufactured to the particular and individual needs of each person in 100% natural fibers, this helps prevent and reduce symptoms.