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Metatarsalgia Conditions and Treatments for Faster Relief
Foot Condition – Pain in the Ball of the Foot (Metatarsalgia)
Metatarsalgia Causes
Some metatarsalgia causes:
- High-impact sports and workouts (running, tennis or high-impact interval training) can create ball of feet pain.
- Specific foot shapes, such as narrow feet, high arches or flat feet, can impact the ball of the feet.
- Ill-fitting footwear. Some examples are shoes that are too tight or too loose or high heels which force the ball of the foot and toes into a small space.
- Excess weight because when you walk, most of your body weight transfers to the front of your foot, meaning extra pounds add more pressure on your metatarsal bones.
- Foot conditions such as arthritis, bunions, stress fractures, hammertoes and bursitis.
- Morton’s Neuroma is a growth around a nerve usually found between the third and fourth metatarsal bones.
Metatarsalgia Symptoms
Some metatarsalgia symptoms include:
- A sharp, shooting, burning or aching pain in the ball of your foot, just behind your toes.
- Pain that feels worse when you stand, flex your feet or move, especially if you’re barefoot on a hard surface.
- Pain on bottom of foot near toes or pain under big toe pad.
- Pain in the ball of the feet that improves when you rest.
- Starting to limp or shifting the way you walk from the pain in your foot.
- A feeling like there’s a small pebble stuck in your shoe or under your foot.
Metatarsalgia Treatment
Orthotics
Proper Footwear
- Try shoes with a lot of room for your feet and toes instead of high heels.
- Look for shoes with a gentle curvature in the toe area (like the shape of the base of a rocking chair) will help relieve the pressure on the metatarsal area.
- Ensure your shoes fit and aren’t too tight or too loose.
- Don’t wear worn-out shoes, as they can worsen the ball of the feet.
- Once your foot is healed, ensure your shoes are appropriate for the types of workouts you do or sports you play.
Taping
Cortisone Injections
When clinically appropriate, injections are usually provided by a Rheumatologist or Orthopaedic Surgeon. Cortisone is an anti-inflammatory medication used to treat musculoskeletal conditions. When cortisone is injected into your affected area, it can lower inflammation and pain. Cortisone can have side effects. Before an injection is considered, a thorough assessment and appropriate conservative treatments are provided.
Laser Therapy for Foot Pain
(Available at our Vaughan clinic only)
Laser therapy is a non-invasive treatment option used to help reduce foot pain and inflammation while supporting the body’s natural healing process. It uses targeted light energy applied to the affected area to stimulate tissue repair and improve circulation.
Laser therapy may be used to help manage:
- Plantar fasciitis and heel pain
- Soft tissue injuries of the foot
- Chronic or recurring foot pain
Treatments are quick, comfortable, and require no downtime. A series of sessions is typically recommended for best results, depending on your condition and treatment goals.
Your clinician will complete a full assessment to determine whether laser therapy is an appropriate treatment option for you.
This service is currently offered at our Vaughan clinic only.
Why Choose LMC
Trail Blazers
LMC Healthcare has one of the largest research divisions in North America, Centricity Research. Our Chiropodists (Footcare Specialists) have the opportunity to participate in cutting-edge foot health research and new treatment approaches.
Members of the Approved Provider Network (APN)
Collaborative and Convenient Approach
While a referral is not required to see our Chiropodists, we keep your family physician informed every step of the way with assessment and treatment summaries.
You also never have to wait long for an appointment! We have eight easily accessible locations in Ontario. Brampton, Vaughan, Oakville, Scarborough, Etobicoke, Midtown Toronto, Barrie, Ottawa, with more coming soon.
Contact Us About Your Foot or Heel Pain
Helping you understand and ease your foot or heel pain
