Where is metatarsal pain

It can result from overuse or high-impact sports, arthritis , and wearing inappropriate footwear, such as high-heeled shoes.

Strategies for supporting the foot include the use of metatarsal pads or a metatarsal bar to reduce pressure from the metatarsal bones, and shock-absorbing insoles or arch supports to relieve pressure when walking. High-heeled shoes should be avoided. Shoes should not be too tight, and there should be adequate support and cushioning, preferably with a wide toe-box.

Cushioned insoles can help prevent or relieve pain, and are available to purchase online. The pain can spread to other parts of the foot or elsewhere in the body, as the person adapts their gait to manage the pain. When the head of one metatarsal bone presses against another, the small nerve is caught between them and starts to become inflamed.

This causes metatarsalgia. Putting weight on the foot can worsen symptoms, because with each step the metatarsal bones rub together, increasing the inflammation of the nerve. Causes include specific medical conditions and other factors, but it is only putting weight on the foot that causes the pain.

A bunion is a painful, swollen, bump that occurs at the base of the big toe, weakening the toe, and increasing stress on the ball of the foot. Bunions can develop if a person wears shoes that are too small, or they can be inherited. They are more common in women than men. This can lead to metatarsalgia. Pain can range from mild to severe. It is usually more noticeable and unpleasant when the individual stands or moves.

There may be a burning or shooting pain, or a sharp aching, and there may be tingling or numbness in the toes. It can affect the area near the toes and the ball of the foot. Symptoms usually develop slowly. Metatarsalgia is a painful inflammation in the ball of your foot.

The ball of your foot is the area between your toes and your arch. Metatarsalgia is named for the five metatarsal bones in the midsection of your feet that connect to your toes. Metatarsalgia commonly occurs from overuse injuries in sports that involve running and jumping. The pain of metatarsalgia usually begins gradually over time. It may improve when you rest your foot and get worse when you stand, walk, or exercise. Your foot may feel like:. The most frequent cause of metatarsalgia is participating in sports activities that put pressure on the metatarsal bones at the front of your foot.

These activities often lead to overuse of the area. Running, for example, involves putting constant force on the ball of your foot. The abnormal stress on your foot can increase inflammation in the metatarsal area. It can also irritate the tendons, ligaments, and cartilage around the bone. People who play high-impact sports that involve running and jumping have a greater risk of metatarsalgia.

Also at greater risk are athletes who wear shoes with spikes or shoes without good support. Your doctor will examine your foot and ask you to walk so they can observe your gait. They will also ask you questions about your activities and when the pain started.

If your doctor suspects other causes of the pain, you may have other tests. These may include:. Treatment for metatarsalgia depends on the cause and severity of your pain. Usually, conservative measures like staying off of your feet, changing your footwear, and using an orthotic pad in your shoe will relieve the pain. You may also be able to ease pain and prevent recurrence by replacing your shoes with a well-fitting pair with good support. Metatarsalgia ; Wheeless' Textbook of Orthopaedics.

Hello I have an Yellowish bump under my feet and when I press on it with my finger or put weight on it it hurts and I have it since months I thought it would heal by itself but it didn't any Disclaimer: This article is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions.

Egton Medical Information Systems Limited has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but make no warranty as to its accuracy. Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions.

For details see our conditions. In this series. In this article What is metatarsalgia? What causes metatarsalgia? What are the symptoms of metatarsalgia? Do I need any investigations? What is the treatment for metatarsalgia? Can metatarsalgia be prevented? Metatarsalgia Metatarsal Injury In this article What is metatarsalgia? What is metatarsalgia? Previous article Achilles Tendon Rupture. Next article Metatarsal Fractures.

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