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Metatarsalgia (Pain in the ball of the foot)

Introduction to Metatarsalgia

OMetatarsalgia is a general term used to denote a painful foot condition in the metatarsal region of the foot (the area just before the toes, more commonly referred to as the ball of the foot). This is a common foot disorder that can affect the bones and joints at the ball-of-the-foot.

Understanding this condition

Metatarsalgia (ball of foot pain) is often located under the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th metatarsal heads, or more isolated at the first metatarsal head (near the big toe). With this condition one or more of the metatarsal heads become painful and/or inflamed, usually due to excessive pressure over a long period of time. It is common to experience acute, recurrent, or chronic pain with this common foot condition. Ball of foot pain is often caused due to improper fitting footwear, most frequently in women's dress shoes and other restrictive footwear. Footwear with a narrow toe box (toe area) causes the ball of foot area to be forced into a minimal amount of space. This can inhibit the walking process and lead to extreme discomfort in the forefoot.

Unloading pressure to the ball of the foot can be accomplished with a variety of foot care products. Orthotics designed to relieve ball of foot pain usually feature a metatarsal pad. The orthotic is constructed with the pad placed behind the ball of the foot to relieve pressure, and redistribute weight from the painful area to more tolerant areas. Other products often recommended include gel metatarsal cushions and metatarsal bandages. When these products are used with appropriate footwear, you should experience significant relief

 

Metatarsalgia

Causes of Metatarsalgia

  • Biomechanical research has shown that the most common cause of Metatarsalgia is a condition called excessive pronation or over pronation. This is when the arches of the foot collapse and the ankles rotate inwards which in turn causes excess pressure on the metatarsals, The Dr Foot Gel Plus Insoles are ideal for metatarsalgia & overpronation. View here
  • Shoes with heels that are too high
  • As we get older, the fat pad in our foot tends to thin out, making us much more susceptible to pain in the ball of the foot.

Treatment for Metatarsalgia

  • If improper fitting footwear is the cause of the pain, the footwear must be changed. Footwear designed with a high, wide toe box (toe area) and a rocker sole are ideal for treating metatarsalgia. The high, wide toe box allows the foot to spread out while the rocker sole reduces stress on the ball of the foot.
  • Treating the underlying cause of the constant pain in the ball of the foot rather than just the symptoms is essential. Using an orthotic to support your biomechanical stride with an incorporating metatarsal pad is ideal. View here

    Extra soft silicone metatarsal pads are intended to provide comfort to ball of the foot pain. Reducing the adverse effects of weight bearing it alleviates painful rubbing and friction on walking. Specifically designed to treat forefoot soreness, and as a preventative device for those who stand long hours on their feet. View here
  • For forefoot discomfort, designed to be worn with open shoes such as sandals and slim pumps as they are narrow View Here. The Queen Metatarsal Support backs up the metatarsal bones to keep them in the correct position.
  • A 3/4 length leather covered lightweight acrylic support with a built in heel cushion, arch support and metatarsal support. This insole can benefit patients suffering from metatarsalgia, neuroma, flat feet and ball of the foot pain. View here

Dr Foot Recommends

Silicone Forefoot Cushions with Top loop (pair)

£ 15.00

BEST SELLER Dr Foot Gel Plus Insoles (pair)

£ 25.00

Review: It's what's inside this sleeve that counts!

This elastic sleeve slips onto your forefoot to reduce pressure and provide extra cushioning protection. If you suffer from Morton's neuroma, painful calluses or general forefoot discomfort, this extra soft and breathable silicone pad offers you tremendous relief.

View Other Products for Metatarsalgia

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Customer Review

"I work at a job where I walk all day; I'm always on my feet. Every night my feet are aching. Since I put in these insoles, I haven't come home with aching feet once! I've used others before that were worthless, doing nothing but making my shoes tighter. But these are definitely worth any price! I'd recommend them (and have) to anyone."


Mr Mackintosh, London UK