New York Physical Therapy, Physiotherapy


Suffer no More with Foot Pain-Metatarsalgia with these Treatment Methods



Ankle and Foot Pain

Back Pain

Elbow Pain

Hip Pain

Knee Pain

Neck Pain

Shoulder Pain

Wrist and Hand Pain












Call now for your consultation:
(212) 867-1111


551 5th Avenue
(Corner of 45th St),
Suite 525
, New York, NY
info@manhattanpainrelief.com



Wondering what is foot pain-metatarsalgia? This is a condition of the foot wherein the joints and bones in the metatarsal region is inflamed causing a burning sensation in the ball of the foot. Sometimes the burning sensation can be felt near the toes. This kind of medical condition is very common among persons engaged in sports like running, basketball, tennis and other extreme sports. However, women who are fond of wearing high-heeled shoes for several hours and in most days of the week can also suffer from this ailment.

The Symptoms
  • Persons with this kind of ailment normally felt a severe pain in the area just behind the toes known as the ball of the foot. The pain is commonly experienced close to the big toe but may also be felt beneath the middle toe. The following are some distinct symptoms related to foot pain–metatatsalgia:
  • When the foot is flexed, the pain gets worst
  • Severe pain within the toes
  • The pain deteriorate when walking on hard surface barefooted
  • When walking, running or standing the soreness worsen but will subside after resting
If these symptoms are not given any kind of medical intervention may result to grave disorders such as chronic stiffness, limited range of motion and can cause severe damage to foot ligaments. In very extreme cases, the whole bone structure may collapse once necrosis developed.

The Causes

The causes are simple ranging from being overweight, muscle fatigue, prolonged wearing of high-heeled shoes, engaging in extreme sports and improper foot wear.  

The Treatment

Treating foot pain-metatarsalgia does not entail aggressive measures as simple remedies can ease and relieve pain.

Anti-inflammatory medicine like NSAIDs can be taken to reduce pain but those persons with other health problems related to the heart, kidney and liver shall seek medical advice first.
  • Sufficient rest is needed by persons having this kind of ailment. Do not stress the feet. Consider shifting from extreme sports to low impact ones like swimming.
  • Put ice to alleviate pain and reduce swelling. Ice the area where there is pain for not more than 20 minutes and repeat every 3-4 hours.
  • Use proper footwear once this ailment is acquired. Shoes must fit properly and should be appropriate for the type of activity to be performed.
  • Arch support inserts can reduce stress on the ball of the foot while the metatarsal pads takes off the pressure from the ball of the foot.
In case these simple treatment methods did not improve the condition of the foot pain metatarsalgia, it is advisable to consult a doctor to make sure that sufficient medical intervention will be administered.

The Prevention

As the old saying goes “an ounce of prevention is better than cure” is very much applicable to metatarsalgia. Learn to protect your feet by wearing the proper shoes that fits well and with a broad toe box; avoid high heeled shoes and tight shoes.

You need not suffer from foot pain-metatarsalgia if you can follow the simple treatment methods discussed.