Metatarsalgia occurs in women more frequently than men. It causes pain in the ball of the foot.Patients often say they feel like they are walking on a small stone. Sometimes a patch of hard skin can develop in the center of the foot and footwear can become worn in this area. In severe cases a Mortons neuroma may develop which has similar symptoms but also numbness and tingling.
CAUSES; The burning pain is caused by a nerve being irritated/ pinched by the metatarsal bones if they become “dropped” out of alignment. Weak foot muscles and poor foot biomechanics are the main contributing factors.
PHYSIOTHERAPY TREATMENT FOR METATARSALGIA;
The physiotherapist will firstly assess the foot biomechanics [bony alignment], then the muscle strength and flexibility in the foot and ankle. Footwear will be studied to see if this is a contributing factor.
Physiotherapy for metatarsalgia is based on clinical findings .A treatment plan will be devised. This will usually involve exercises, electrotherapeutic modalities to relieve pain and orthotics . Orthotics are shoe inserts with metatarsal pads, arch supports etc to improve the foot alignment and take presure off the nerve.
