5 Causes of Metatarsalgia
Metatarsalgia (or metatarsal syndrome) is a condition that is very similar to the more common wrist condition called carpal tunnel syndrome. In the context of feet, this condition is characterized by inflammation around the metatarsal bones of your toes and causes considerable pain and discomfort in the ball of the foot. Fortunately, getting properly-fitted for footwear and using orthotic shoe inserts from your foot doctor can alleviate metatarsal syndrome and many other problematic conditions.
Ball of the foot pain can be exacerbated or caused by a wide variety of issues:
- Stressful work, sports, and exercise —Participating in high-stress sports like tennis and basketball and walking all day on hard surfaces for work increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
- Wearing shoes that are too tight—Tight-fitting shoes is one of the primary cause of many foot and ankle difficulties, including metatarsal syndrome.
- Carrying extra pounds—Being overweight considerably increases the pressure on the ball of the foot and adds to foot and ankle stress and potential damage.
- Nerve conditions—Nerve growths like neuromas usually occur between the third and fourth toes and can cause considerable pain and discomfort in the ball of the foot that can also radiate to other parts of the foot.
- Various kinds of arthritis—Having arthritis can increase the likelihood of developing metatarsalgia and other foot and ankle problems.
Since pain and discomfort in the ball of the foot may be a result of other conditions that have similar symptoms to metatarsalgia, it’s important to see your foot doctor for the proper diagnosis. The foot experts at Desert Podiatric Medical Specialists, in the Tucson, Oro Valley, and Green Valley areas of Pima County, Arizona, have unparalleled experience in treating all aspects of foot and ankle care. Our team of doctors: Christopher M. Funk, D.P.M., FACFAS, Bradley A. Whitaker, D.P.M., FACFAS, and Peter C. Merrill, D.P.M., AACFAS, is dedicated to serving you with state-of-the-art, cutting edge medical technologies including the PinPointe FootLaser, custom-fitted orthotics, and Radial Pulse Therapy (RPT) for chronic foot, heel, or ankle pain. If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment, please call (520) 575-0800.
