There are lots of conditions which have been found to be responsible for Metatarsalgia.
Some common causes include:
1. Overuse. This is common in runners and athletes. Overuse can result in mild inflammation of the metatarsal head and nearby joints. There are some other sports, for example, tennis or sport that requires jumping may also put additional stress on the metatarsal head and cause inflammation and pain.
2. Putting on high-heeled shoes. When you wear a high-heeled shoe, it can put additional stress on the metatarsal head. Other causes of metatarsalgia can also include poorly fitted shoe or shoes that are too tight.
3. Overweight. When you are overweight, this can put additional stress on your feet in general.
4. When you have a stiff ankle or Achilles tendon (the tendon at the heel). The stiff ankle has been found to affect the distribution of pressure across the foot and this can result in additional stress on the metatarsal heads.
5. Morton's neuroma. This is occasionally referred to as Morton's metatarsalgia. Morton's neuroma is a condition which affects one of the nerves that pass between the metatarsal bones in the foot (the plantar digital nerves). Symptoms of Morton's neuroma include pain, burning, stiffness, and tingling between the two toes of the foot.
6. Clawfoot (pes cavus). In this condition, there is a very high arch in the foot when refuse to flat when weight is put on the foot. This is because of the imbalance in the muscles of the foot. Sometimes it can be a hereditary disease as it can be transferred from one generation to another. However, the majority of individuals that have pes cavus face an additional neurological problem which can include cerebral palsy, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy or polio. Pes cavus can indicate that some additional stress is placed on the ball of the foot, which can result in metatarsalgia.
7. Hammer toe or claw toe deformity. When you have a claw toe, there will be an abnormal position of the entire three joints in the toe. The joint that has the metatarsal bone is affected and this makes it to bend upwards, while the middle joint in the toe is bent downwards and the last joint present in the toe may also bend in another direction (downwards). The appearance looks like a claw. Hammer toe, on the other hand, the toe is bent permanently at the middle of the joint so it takes the shape of a hammer. There are many conditions which have been found to be responsible for these deformities in the toe. This condition may include poorly fitted shoes, injury to the toes, bunions and rheumatoid arthritis. These toe deformities is an indication that additional stress is put on the ball of the foot, which has been found to result in metatarsalgia.
8. Bunion (hallux valgus). A bunion is a deformation in the base joint of the big toe, which causes the big toe to bend towards the second toe. This results in a bump on the side of the foot at the base of the big toe. Thickening of the skin and tissue next to the affected joint occurs. The thickened skin and tissues can become inflamed, swollen and painful. Additional stress is put on the ball of the foot due to the bunion and this can result in metatarsalgia.
What are the symptoms of Metatarsalgia?
Pain at the end of one or more metatarsal bones is the major symptoms of metatarsalgia. The pain becomes worsens during walking or running. Athletes participating in high-impact exercise and also having an inflammatory disease such as bursitis often have diffuse forefoot and midfoot pain. Most often, pain occurs over a period of months, not suddenly. A condition which is referred to as Morton Neuroma (interdigital neuroma) causes symptoms of metatarsalgia simply because of the irritation and inflammation of the nerve at the site of pain. Individuals who have Morton's Neuroma may experience toe numbness in addition to pain in the forefoot.
Treatment Recommended
Products recommended for swelling, redness, pain, and inflammation, and if coolness makes your pain feel better:
Ice Substitute Poultice
Bruise Relief Liniment
Muscle Therapy Massage Oil
Products recommended when swelling and inflammation are gone, but you still feel pain, stiffness, weakness, and/or sensitivity in cold and damp weather, and if heat makes your pain feel better:
Pain Relief Liniment
Tendon and Ligament Poultice
Muscle Therapy Massage Oil
