Causes of Metatarsalgia
Metatarsalgia refers to a painful foot condition in the metatarsal region of foot. It is the area just before the toes, commonly called as ball-of-the foot. In each foot, five metatarsal bones run from arch to toe joints. The first metatarsal is shorter and thicker as compared to other four metatarsal bones. When a person walks, jumps or runs, his body weight is transferred to his toes and metatarsals. It is a fact that the first and second metatarsal bones take as much as 275 percent of one’s body weight.
Intense training or activity can lead to metatarsalgia. Runners are at a greater risk as the front of a foot absorbs more force when running than any other physical activity, probably 110 tons of force per mile. Intensive training for long period can also cause stress on metatarsals leading to chronic irritation and inflammation. Moreover, the heredity factor is important. Narrow, high-arched feet can put an extra stress on the balls of feet. Also, if legs are not equal in length, the metatarsal-phalangeal joints of the shorter leg receive additional stress. Skin irritation is another second factor to be considered. Metatarsalgia can occur with tender calluses under metatarsal-phalangeal joints. Foot disorders like rheumatoid arthritis, stress fractures, fluid accumulation, and muscle fatigue can also contribute towards development of metatarsalgia. If a person is born with, or develops flat feet, there is a risk for him to develop metatarsalgia. Moreover, excess weight from pregnancy or obesity can cause metatarsalgia. One should not put excessive stress on feet. For example, soldiers, letter carriers, and dancers are at a greater risk because of extensive walking and standing. Some nerve disorders like Morton’s neuronal can also cause metatarsalgia in adults.
The signs and symptoms
There is pain in the area of the ball of a foot. It is aching pain like a bruise. For a person suffering from metatarsalgia, it becomes very painful to walk barefoot, especially on hard surfaces like concrete or ceramic tiles. Pain often forces a person to walk on the outside of his foot to avoid stepping on the ball of his foot. It is very important for a person suffering from metatarsalgia to use proper footwear having cushioning.