Metatarsalgia

Metatarsalgia is pain in the ball of the foot. Pain in this area may be caused by:

• Narrow, high-arched feet.
• Excess weight from pregnancy or obesity.
• Excessive standing or walking.
• Stress fractures.
• Rheumatoid arthritis.
• Wearing high-heeled shoes.
• Poor blood supply to the feet.
• Bent or misshapen toes (such as hammer toes).
• A tight Achilles tendon.
• A pinched nerve, such as Morton's neuroma.

Treatment may consist of:

• Wearing a more supportive shoe.
• Avoiding high heels.
• Foot pads to relieve pressure.
• Anti-inflammatory medicine, such as ibuprofen.
• Orthotic shoe devices.
• Injections or surgery, if other treatments fail.

Credits

By	Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer	William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Last Revised	October 1, 2012