Metatarsalgia

Metatarsalgia literally means “metatarsal pain”. It refers to pain under the ball of the foot around the metatarsal heads. It is not a disease in its own right but a symptom with various causes.

Common causes

• splayfoot – the most common cause
• high heels and tight shoes
• thinning fat pad in old age
• hallux valgus or hallux rigidus
• Morton’s neuroma
• overload from sport

What we can do

Thick calluses or a corn often form under the painful ball of the foot, making the complaints worse. We remove these gently and relieve the area with pads – this often brings noticeable relief. The cause should be clarified by a doctor; insoles with a metatarsal pad and suitable shoes help in the long term.