Metatarsalgia

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.

• Care notes
• Ambulatory
• Discharge
• Español

Metatarsalgia is pain in the ball of your foot, near your second, third, and fourth toes.

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:

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.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

Treatment options

The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

• meloxicam
• Aleve
• Naprosyn
• Naprelan
• Myoflex

View more treatment options

Medicines:

• 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.
• Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

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.

Further information

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