Metatarsalgia

Metatarsalgia is pain that is usually felt in the sole of the foot, it can be a recurring pain that can be either mild or severe in its intensity. You may experience a burning sensation and it can affect one or two toes or the whole of the foot. Older people are more susceptible to this complaint as the fat that pads the sole of the foot, thin with age. Putting stress on the front of the foot causes this condition, the most common factors are:

• Being overweight
• Wearing high heeled shoes
• Claw or hammer toes
• A bunion or arthritis in the big toe
• Gout or inflammation of the joints
• Fracture of the metatarsal bone
• Interdigital neuroma
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome

 
Treatment & Prevention
 
Some of the causes of metatarsalgia can be prevented by:

• Maintaining a sensible weight in accordance to your height and build.
• Taking the pressure off your feet whenever possible, especailly after standing or walking for long periods of time
• Wearing sensible shoes that give plenty of room and support
• Taking painkillers such as paracetamol
• The use of metatarsal supports, gel pads, adhesive paddings and insoles