Metatarsalgia is a term used to describe a painful foot condition in the area just before the small toes (more commonly referred to as the ball of the foot). The condition is characterized by pain and inflammation on the sole in the region of the metatarsal heads, which are the ends of the long bones in the foot. The joint capsule or tendons may also be inflamed.
The pain is generally aggravated by putting pressure (as in walking) through the ball of your foot. Metatarsalgia can affect anyone who spends significant time on their feet and frequently affects runners and other athletes who participate in high-impact sports. Although generally not considered a serious condition, the pain can sideline a person whether an Olympic athlete or a weekend warrior.
Besides pain on the ball of the foot, other symptoms can include numbness and tingling in the toes, sharp pain that worsens when the feet are flexed, and feeling like there is a bruise in the foot or the feeling of walking on a stone.
How did I get it?
Metatarsalgia forms when too much weight is shifted to the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th metatarsal heads (ball of the foot) during walking or running, where excessive pronation (or flattening of the foot) being the major contributor to these improper forces. When the arch of the foot collapses, it can cause excess force to shift away from the big toe and onto the smaller bones of the forefoot. These smaller bones are not designed to take such repetitive excess loads, so they may inflame as in any overuse injury.
Other contributing factors can include: an increase in activity or training, excess weight, length of time one must be on their feet in a day, and poorly fitted or constructed shoes.
How is it treated?
The initial goal in the relieving the symptoms of metatarsalgia is to unload the excess pressure exerted on the ball of the foot and any symptoms of pain that may be present. The next step is to address the underlying cause of the symptoms associated with metatarsalgia.
Anti-Inflammatory Agents:
These may include ice and oral anti-inflammatory medications. These may provide some temporary relief from the pain of inflammation, but are not helpful in addressing the underlying cause of the condition.
Exercises:
A regular calf stretching routine should be a part of any treatment regimen. Increasing the length of the calf muscles is a very important part of any treatment. Tightness in this muscle group can cause excess pronation (arch drop).
Footwear:
Advice that focuses on taking the pressure off the metatarsals should also be followed. Unloading the pressure on the ball of the foot with a reduced heel height shoe should be helpful.
Injections:
Depending on the cause of the metatarsal pain, this intervention may be considered. It involves the injection of a medication that blocks the transmission of pain through the nerves of the foot. Risks include permanent numbness in areas of the foot so be sure to discuss the indications and risks for this treatment with a doctor.
Surgery:
In cases that do not respond to conservative measures, a doctor may recommend surgery. This may include realigning the bones of the feet. Parts of the bone may be removed and ligaments or tendons may be cut in an effort to reduce weight bearing on the metatarsal heads. If considering surgery, talk to more than one doctor carefully about the benefits and risks.
Custom Foot Orthotics:
Custom made CBAS foot orthotics will address metatarsalgia by restoring arch height and function. This will effectively help restore proper weight distribution over the first metatarsophalangeal joint (the big toe) and ensure the forces being passed through the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th metatarsal heads (ball of the foot) are not excessive. When this is done the cause of metatarsalgia is being addressed rather than just the symptoms.
CBAS unlike typical custom orthotics; are designed to help restore proper arch height and function of an individual foot, determined by a unique way of capturing an impression of the arch with the foot arranged in an optimal position, then completely supporting it; only allowing the arch to flex accurately at a calibrated rate. The CBAS orthotic is the only calibrated custom orthotic that is designed with an individual’s body weight, foot flexibility, and activity level in mind, creating true biomechanical shock absorption. This truly restores proper foot function so that abnormal joint positions and stresses can be reversed allowing affected tissues to heal and normal joint function to be restored. In this way the CBAS custom orthotics provide the best option for both the primary therapy and preventative care in helping relieve the symptoms associated with metarsalgia.
What help can I expect to get from CBAS orthotics?
With a proper diagnosis along with a well-rounded management plan including CBAS othotics, the forecast is excellent. It’s not unusual get a 50-70% relief in the first month, 70-90% the second month and 90-100% the third.
