The Most Effective Metatarsalgia Treatments from Austin Foot & Ankle Specialists
If you've been experiencing a sharp, aching, or burning pain in the ball of your foot, you know how disruptive metatarsalgia can be to your daily life. Simply walking around or standing for extended periods may seem unbearable at times. As an active individual, dealing with this type of chronic foot pain can prevent you from engaging in your favorite hobbies and living life to the fullest.
At Austin Foot & Ankle Specialists, our board-certified podiatrists understand how frustrating it is to have pain limit your mobility. We offer advanced diagnostic services and innovative treatment options to help patients diagnosed with metatarsalgia find long-term relief. Our podiatry practice takes a patient-focused approach, working closely with you to develop an individualized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and goals.
If metatarsalgia is impacting your quality of life, keep reading to learn more about what causes this condition and what treatment options are available. With the right foot care, you can get back to enjoying an active, pain-free lifestyle.
Understanding the Causes and Symptoms of Metatarsalgia
Metatarsalgia is a general term for pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot, the area just behind the toes. This common overuse injury can affect anyone, but it is especially prevalent in runners and other athletes.
Some factors that may contribute to metatarsalgia include:
- Intense training or activity. Suddenly increasing the intensity or duration of high-impact sports puts repetitive stress on the ball of the foot.
- Ill-fitting footwear. Wearing shoes that are too tight, too loose, or lack adequate cushioning and support, especially in the toe box area, may put too much pressure on the toes.
- Foot structure issues. Having high arches, hammertoes, bunions, or other foot deformities that change how weight is distributed across the foot may increase the likelihood of developing metatarsalgia.
- Excess weight. Carrying extra pounds puts added stress on the metatarsal bones, increasing the risk of pain and inflammation.
Patients with metatarsalgia often describe the pain as sharp, aching, or burning. Many people say it feels like they are walking on pebbles or have a stone in their shoe. The pain is usually most pronounced when walking or running, especially barefoot on a hard surface. Some people also experience numbness or tingling in the toes.
The Role of Proper Footwear in Metatarsalgia Treatment
One of the most important things you can do to alleviate metatarsalgia pain is wear supportive shoes that fit properly. Look for the following features when shopping for footwear:
- Wide, deep toe box. Shoes with a roomy toe box allow your toes to spread out naturally and prevent excessive pressure on the ball of the foot. Avoid narrow, pointed shoes.
- Ample cushioning. Choose shoes with plenty of cushioning in the sole, especially under the ball of the foot, to help absorb impact. Replace athletic shoes every 300-500 miles.
- Adequate arch support. Proper arch support helps distribute weight evenly across the foot. If you have high arches, look for shoes with extra support, or consider custom orthotics.
- Low heel. Heels higher than two inches can shift weight onto the ball of the foot, exacerbating metatarsalgia pain. Choose low-heeled shoes or flats instead.
In some cases, modifying your existing footwear can also help relieve metatarsalgia symptoms. Some modifications your podiatrist may recommend include:
- Metatarsal pads. These small, cushioned inserts are placed just behind the ball of the foot to help redistribute weight and reduce pressure on the metatarsal heads.
- Orthotics. Custom orthotic devices can provide extra support and cushioning specific to your foot structure and gait pattern.
- Hammertoe splints. If your hammertoes contribute to your metatarsalgia, wearing a splint can help realign the toes and alleviate pain.
Your Austin foot doctor can assess your footwear and recommend the best shoes and modifications for your individual needs. Wearing proper footwear consistently is key to preventing and managing metatarsalgia.
Conservative Metatarsalgia Treatment Options
For most patients, metatarsalgia responds well to conservative treatments aimed at reducing pressure on the ball of the foot. Some therapies your Austin podiatrist may recommend include:
- Resting and icing the foot. Taking a break from high-impact activities and applying ice to the ball of the foot for 20 minutes several times a day can help reduce pain and inflammation.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen and naproxen can be used to manage metatarsalgia pain and discomfort.
- Stretching and strengthening exercises. Incorporating towel scrunches, marble pick-ups, and other foot exercises into your daily routine can help strengthen the small muscles in the foot and alleviate pain.
Surgical Options for Treating Metatarsalgia
If conservative treatments fail to provide adequate relief, your podiatrist may recommend surgery. Various surgical procedures can be used to treat metatarsalgia, and the best approach depends on your specific condition.
Some of the surgical options for metatarsalgia include:
- Metatarsal osteotomy. This procedure involves cutting and realigning the metatarsal bones to reduce pressure on the ball of the foot.
- Hammertoe correction. If a hammertoe deformity is causing or contributing to metatarsalgia, your podiatric surgeon may recommend a procedure to release the contracted toe tendon and realign the joint.
- Bunionectomy. Removing a bunion that is putting excess pressure on the ball of the foot can alleviate metatarsalgia pain.
Your foot and ankle specialist will work with you to determine if surgery is necessary and, if so, which procedure is best suited for your individual needs. The goal of metatarsalgia surgery is to provide long-term pain relief and restore normal foot function.
Get Expert Metatarsalgia Treatment in Austin, TX
Don't let foot pain keep you from enjoying your favorite activities. If you're struggling with metatarsalgia, turn to the experts at Austin Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our experienced podiatrists will diagnose the underlying cause of your pain and recommend the most effective treatment options to help you find relief. We’ll help you understand your condition and guide you through the process of healing your foot pain.
