Ball of Foot Pain, Plus Aching and Burning Sensation (Metatarsalgia)
Posted: Thursday, July 09, 2009
by GARY WEBB
WEBB'S PODIATRY
Metatarsalgia
The general name given to pain that occurs in the ball (Metatarsal) area of your foot, under the heads of your metatarsal bones. It is not actually a disease, but rather a symptom of another problem.
Symptoms
There is normally an aching or burning sensation in the metatarsal area of your foot. You may, in some cases, have a 'walking on pebbles' sensation. The pain experienced may be mild or quite severe, individual cases vary. You may experience shooting pains or tingling and numbness in or around your toes. The pain may increase when you stand or move around.
Causes
Many different conditions can result in Metatarsalgia, and any extra stress on the ball of the foot can increase the risk. Common causes of Metatarsalgia include:
- Being overweight-This increases pressure on your feet.
- Bunions -Having bunions changes the impact areas of the foot, and can increase pressure to the ball of your foot.
- High impact exercise Diabetes-May cause damage to nerves in your feet.
- Claw or Hammer toes.
- Poor fitting footwear - High heels or shoes that are too tight may cause problems.
- High arches or flat feet - Can increase the risk.
- Stress fractures-The pain usually occurs very quickly.
- Arthritis or Gout - Can lead to inflammation to the big toe or ball of the foot, leading to pain.
Prevention/Help
To reduce the risk of developing Metatarsalgia, or ease the symptoms, it is a good idea to:
- Wear good fitting shoes that are not too high, and have plenty of room around the toe area.
- Avoid being overweight.
- Rest with your feet up.
- Reduce the amount of walking or running that you do. Wear temporary orthotics or have prescription orthotics fitted by a Podiatrist. Seek the advice of a Podiatrist.
Copyright © Gary webb MChs 2009The general name given to pain that occurs in the ball (Metatarsal) area of your foot, under the heads of your metatarsal bones. It is not actually a disease, but rather a symptom of another problem.
Symptoms
There is normally an aching or burning sensation in the metatarsal area of your foot. You may, in some cases, have a 'walking on pebbles' sensation. The pain experienced may be mild or quite severe, individual cases vary. You may experience shooting pains or tingling and numbness in or around your toes. The pain may increase when you stand or move around.
Many different conditions can result in Metatarsalgia, and any extra stress on the ball of the foot can increase the risk. Common causes of Metatarsalgia include:
- Being overweight-This increases pressure on your feet.
- Bunions -Having bunions changes the impact areas of the foot, and can increase pressure to the ball of your foot.
- High impact exercise Diabetes-May cause damage to nerves in your feet.
- Claw or Hammer toes.
- Poor fitting footwear - High heels or shoes that are too tight may cause problems.
- High arches or flat feet - Can increase the risk.
- Stress fractures-The pain usually occurs very quickly.
- Arthritis or Gout - Can lead to inflammation to the big toe or ball of the foot, leading to pain.
Prevention/Help
To reduce the risk of developing Metatarsalgia, or ease the symptoms, it is a good idea to:
- Wear good fitting shoes that are not too high, and have plenty of room around the toe area.
- Avoid being overweight.
- Rest with your feet up.
- Reduce the amount of walking or running that you do. Wear temporary orthotics or have prescription orthotics fitted by a Podiatrist. Seek the advice of a Podiatrist.
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