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 medication, such as ibuprofen.
- Orthotic devices.
- Injections or surgery, if other treatments fail.
Credits
| Author | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Editor | Alison Allen |
| Editor | Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Gavin W.G. Chalmers, DPM - Podiatry and Podiatric Surgery |
| Last Updated | February 8, 2007 |
Author:Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Last Updated: 02/08/2007
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