Metatarsalgia
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.
AMBULATORY CARE:
Metatarsalgia
is pain in the ball of your foot, near your second, third, and fourth toes.
Common signs and symptoms of metatarsalgia:
Symptoms usually develop over time, but you may have sudden pain from an injury. You may have any of the following:
- Pain at the ball of your foot or near your toes that gets worse when you walk or stand, especially on hard surfaces
- Pain during exercises such as running
- Sharp or shooting pain in your toes that may get worse when you flex your toes
- Tingling or numbness in your toes
- Feeling like you are walking over rocks, or that you have a bruise
- A change in the way you walk because you try to avoid putting pressure on the ball of your foot
Contact your healthcare provider if:
- You develop knee, back, or hip pain.
- You have more pain or redness in the foot.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Treatment:
The cause of your metatarsalgia will be treated, if possible. You may also need any of the following:
- NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. This medicine is available with or without a doctor's order. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow directions. Do not give these medicines to children younger than 6 months without direction from a healthcare provider.
- Ultrasound may be used to relieve your pain. Sound waves from the ultrasound can help send heat deeper into your tissues.
- A steroid injection may help decrease inflammation.
- Surgery may be needed if other treatments do not work. Surgery is used to align the bones near your toes. You may also need surgery to fix a problem such as hammertoe.
Treatment options
The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
Manage or prevent metatarsalgia:
- Rest your foot. If you play sports, you may not be able to do weight-bearing exercises. Examples include swimming and bike riding. Ask your healthcare provider which exercises are safe for you.
- Apply ice as directed. Ice helps reduce pain and swelling. Use an ice pack, or put crushed ice in a plastic bag. Cover the pack or bag with a towel before you apply it to your foot. Apply ice for 15 to 20 minutes every hour, or as directed.
- Use a cane or crutch if directed. These devices may help take pressure off your foot while it heals.
- Wear proper shoes. Do not wear shoes that are narrow or tight. You may need to wear shoes that are wider than you usually wear. Choose shoes that do not have a raised heel. Shock-absorbing shoes can help prevent injury. These shoes will have extra support under your feet and toes. You can also add shoe cushions inside your shoes or to the bottoms of your feet, near your toes. The cushions may provide more support and make walking or standing more comfortable. Arch supports may help take pressure off your toes.
- Reach or maintain a healthy weight. Extra weight can put pressure on your feet. Talk to your healthcare provider about a healthy weight for you. Your provider can help you create a safe weight loss plan if you are overweight.
- Go to physical therapy if directed. A physical therapist can help improve your strength and range of motion. The therapist can also help you improve the way you walk to prevent metatarsalgia from happening again. Your therapist can also teach you exercises to help relieve your pain.
Follow up with your doctor as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Learn more about Metatarsalgia
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