What is Metatarsalgia?

Metatarsalgia

What is Metatarsalgia?

• Metatarsalgia is a type of pain or inflammation in the metatarsal/ball of the foot.
• Also known as a “Stone Bruise” as it feels like you’re walking on stones
• It commonly occurs in the metatarsal head behind the big toe

Causes of Metatarsalgia?

• Collapse of MTP arch or dropped MTP heads
• High Impact Sports: Running. Basketball
• Aging: The foot pad cushioning decreases putting more pressure on the ball of the foot
• Arthritis: Causes joint pain in the foot
• High Heels: The tight nature of a high heel puts greater pressure on the ball of the foot.
• Repetitive Activity: Puts stress on your joints

Symptoms of Metatarsalgia?

• Sharp pain, numbness or tingling in the toes
• Shooting pain in the balls of the feet
• Bruising on the balls of the feet

Treatment for Metatarsalgia?

• Acupuncture
• Custom Foot Orthotics for Metatarsalgia:
  • Decrease pressure on the MTP joint
  • Metatarsal Pads in the orthotics will guard the balls of the feet
  • Orthotics will allocate pressure evenly to the foot

• For more information or for treatment of metatarsalgia in Vancouver, including custom foot orthotics, and our Naturopathic Approach to Metatarsalgia, please call us at 604-876-9977 or come in to visit our East Vancouver Wellness Centre.