Are you noticing a nagging pain in the ball of your foot after a run or even a casual walk?
I’ve seen many patients come through my clinics in Port Melbourne, Elsternwick, and Williamstown experiencing similar symptoms. They often describe the discomfort as sharp, burning, or aching pain just beneath their toes. If that sounds familiar, you might be dealing with something called metatarsalgia.
What Exactly is Metatarsalgia?
Metatarsalgia isn’t just a fancy medical term. It literally means pain in the metatarsal area—the ball of your foot. It commonly happens when there’s increased pressure on your foot’s metatarsal bones. Athletes, runners, and even those wearing the wrong type of shoes regularly come to me with this complaint.
Recently, I came across a discussion online where someone experienced worsening foot pain after a few hours of hiking, particularly around their third and fourth toes. They wore lightweight hiking shoes, which many of my patients prefer. This got me thinking—footwear plays a massive role in managing this condition. Here’s a useful guide from FootCareMD detailing symptoms and treatments.
What Are the Signs You Might Have Metatarsalgia?
- Pain beneath your toes that worsens when standing, running, or walking barefoot.
- Sharp, aching or burning sensations around the ball of your foot.
- Tingling or numbness in your toes.
- A feeling like there’s a pebble stuck inside your shoe.
If these signs sound familiar, it might be time to book in for a running assessment or even a detailed gait analysis. Addressing these issues early can help prevent more serious foot problems.
Common Causes That Lead to Metatarsalgia
I’ve found that there are a few common reasons why people develop metatarsalgia:
- Intense physical activities: Activities like running, jumping, or hiking often put extra pressure on your feet. It’s crucial to balance these with proper rest and appropriate footwear.
- Improper footwear: Shoes without proper cushioning or support can increase pressure on your feet. Shoes with narrow toes or high heels also contribute significantly.
- Foot shape and mechanics: High arches, flat feet, or a second toe longer than your big toe (Morton’s toe) can affect how your foot distributes weight.
- Bodyweight: Increased body weight puts extra pressure on your feet. Many of my patients notice significant improvement after reducing weight or using specially designed custom orthotics.
How I Usually Treat Metatarsalgia
When patients visit, my priority is to reduce their pain quickly. First, I assess their foot mechanics thoroughly using functional testing and sometimes a sports biomechanics assessment.
Many of my patients have benefited from simple interventions like adding metatarsal pads into their shoes. These pads redistribute pressure away from the painful area. Strengthening exercises also help—standing on tiptoes or balancing exercises can significantly reduce symptoms.
I’ve also found significant relief using radial shockwave therapy for more stubborn cases, as it encourages healing and reduces inflammation.
If you’d like to explore treatment options, feel free to book an appointment online or contact us directly.
Choosing the Right Shoes Makes a Huge Difference
One thing I’ve learned from experience—and supported by many patient success stories—is the impact footwear has. Shoes with adequate cushioning, support, and wider toe boxes can dramatically reduce symptoms.
Interestingly, some people prefer minimalist shoes for their light weight. But if you’re experiencing metatarsalgia, sometimes switching to something more supportive can give immediate relief. Check out our blog post on choosing the right running shoes.
Don’t Ignore the Warning Signs
I always tell my patients: your feet are too important to ignore. Treating foot pain early can save you from prolonged discomfort or chronic conditions like Morton’s neuroma or even stress fractures. Our goal at Up & Running Podiatry is to get you back on your feet quickly—and safely.
If you’re struggling with pain under your toes or other foot concerns, don’t wait. Let’s get you moving comfortably again.
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