Metatarsalgia: Causes, Symptoms, Orthotics & Shoes
Metatarsalgia is a pain in the ball-of-foot (forefoot) directly underneath the metatarsal heads. The metatarsal heads are the joints that connect the foot to the toes. They support weight and, as such, they can be a target for pain and inflammation due to the pressure they are often under when we walk, run, and stand.
CAUSES OF METATARSALGIA
Metatarsalgia is progressive and develops over time, in one or both feet. The severity of the condition is affected by the variation in pressure applied to the forefoot. These differences in pressure are increased by factors including wearing unsupportive footwear, partaking in physical exercise, and age. Additionally, the way the foot is shaped and how it moves is reported to explain 90% of Metatarsalgia.
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THREE BIOLOGICAL CAUSES OF METATARSALGIA
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Primary Metatarsalgia: The 2nd metatarsal (2nd toe) is usually much longer than the first metatarsal (big toe) which may increase pressure and lead to an overload of the affected metatarsal. The increased pressure under the head of the 2nd and 3rd metatarsal will result in thickened skin in that area of the sole of the foot.
Other pre-existing hindfoot deformities may cause Metatarsalgia:
- High arches
- Bunions
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Secondary Metatarsalgia: Occurs when increased pressure on the metatarsal joints is caused by conditions like Rheumatoid Arthritis or Gout.
- In Rheumatoid Arthritis, the plantar pad (the thick flesh under the heads of the metatarsal) can move away, reducing the amount of soft tissue to cushion the bones. Due to the decrease in the amount of the soft tissue coverage of the heads of the metatarsals, it becomes painful when one bears weight.
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Iatrongenic Metatarsalgia: Blames medical intervention for the development of Metatarsalgia. For example, surgery to correct bunions often involves the shortening of the first metatarsal. This can be shaved too short, resulting in a shift in pressure onto the metatarsals in the middle of the foot, causing Metatarsalgia in these areas.
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Additional Causes of Metatarsalgia:
- Improper footwear such as high heels with narrow toe boxes
- High-impact sports like running or jumping
- Tightness of the calf muscles
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Excessive weight or obesity
WHAT DOES METATARSALGIA FEEL LIKE?
The pain and discomfort from Metatarsalgia can vary from an aching sensation to a burning or sharp pain in the ball-of-foot. Patients may describe Metatarsalgia symptoms as having the sensation of walking on a lump or stone.
TIPS TO HELP TREAT METATARSALGIA
Determining the cause of the pain is the most important step when considering treatment options.
- Wear orthotics with metatarsal support
- Avoid ill-fitting shoes with narrow toe boxes
- Stretch calves
HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST ORTHOTICS FOR METATARSALGIA
Orthotics can be utilized as a treatment by improving the distribution of pressure on the sole of the foot. Metatarsal pads, which provide support behind the ball-of-the-foot, have been found to relieve the pressure on the metatarsals by up to 60%.
All Aetrex Orthotics have Signature Arch Support built-in that aligns anatomically in the proper place to help support our bodies from the ground up. The orthotics are available with built-in metatarsal pads that help unload pressure at the metatarsal area. Metatarsal pads combined with superior cushioning and shock absorption can help relieve pressure, ball-of-foot pain, and high arch pain. Aetrex Orthotics can help relieve Metatarsalgia.
FEATURES OF AETREX ORTHOTICS
Cupped Heel:
A cupped heel is designed to help cushion and stabilize the back of the foot so you can stay active on your feet all day.
IQ Memory Foam:
The slow recovery IQ150™ memory foam layer customizes to your foot to help relieve pressure and provide superior cushioning.
Metatarsal Pads:
Built-in forefoot support helps unload pressure at the metatarsal area and provides cushioning to help relieve discomfort.
Polyurethane:
A high-energy return performance base that helps with shock absorption and shape retention.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST SHOES FOR METATARSALGIA
Aetrex Shoes have many comfort features built-in and come equipped with a soft memory foam cushioning technology that helps to relieve pressure pain points. Each pair also contains superior arch support that aids in optimal pressure distribution that helps relieve ball-of-foot discomfort.
Features of Aetrex Shoes
Arch Support:
Designed to help support natural alignment to support bodies from the ground up.
Memory Foam:
Helps cushion and conform to your foot, helping to evenly distribute weight and providing ultimate comfort.
Cobra Orthotic Technology:
A feature that provides a void in the heel area to help alleviate heel pressure and provides metatarsal support.
Forefoot Cushioning:
Provides extra cushioning, where you need it most, to help alleviate forefoot discomfort.
Met Bar Pod:
A pod on the bottom of the shoe that helps to relieve ball-of-foot discomfort or stress.
