Metatarsalgia In Adults causes and treatment

Metatarsalgia In Adults

Metatarsalgia is a general term for irritation of metatarsals. There is aching pain in the metatarsal bones of foot resulting from anatomical changes in their alignment. This is a common problem affecting the bones and joints of metatarsals. Metatarsalgia covers a group of foot disorders. Its classic symptom is pain in the front portion, or ball of foot.

Causes

The heredity factor is important. Narrow, high-arched feet can put stress on the balls of feet. Moreover, if legs are not equal in length, the metatarsal-phalangeal joints of the shorter leg receive additional stress. Skin irritation is the 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 neuroma can also cause metatarsalgia in adults.

Treatment

It is important for a person to avoid wearing tight shoes with thin soles and high heels. If one is suffering from Morton’s neuroma, he should remove his shoes periodically, and gently massage the painful area. It is also important to consult a physician for a footpad that relieves pressure on metatarsal area. A physician may prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as Ibuprofen or sulindac. Such medications can treat calluses, which may be associated with metatarsalgia. In rare cases, injections of corticosteroid into the tender area may be used. An operation may sometimes be necessary. A surgeon can remove the nerve associated with painful symptoms, in severe cases of Morton’s neuroma. Other surgical options may include reshaping joints and modifying irregularly shaped bones.

A patient may inquire his doctor about the cause of pain in his feet, and whether foot disorder is involved. Moreover he can ask him whether the feet are abnormally stressed, and ways to alleviate his pain.

Metatarsalgia & Morton’s neuroma

Metatarsalgia & Morton’s neuroma

Metatarsalgia & Morton’s neuroma

Definition:

Metatarsals are the long bones located in the front part of your feet just below your toes. And Metatarsalgia — is a condition that causes burning pain and inflammation at this part of your foot.  Morton’s neuroma is a thickening of the tissue that surrounds the digital nerve leading to the toes. Morton’s neuroma occurs mostly between the third and fourth toes, because of irritation, trauma or excessive pressure in the metatarsals in the forefoot. Both these are often seen in runners and other athletes who are into high impact sports. The incidence of Morton’s neuroma is found more commonly in women than in men (ratio being 8:10).

Signs & Symptoms:

When there is an excessive amount of running and jumping and extra stress is put on the metatarsals the person suffers a sharp pain and a aching or burning sensation at the bottom of his/her foot, and this is the main symptom of metatarsalgia and Morton’s neuroma. Other symptoms of metatarsalgia and Morton’s neuroma may include pain when you stand, walk or run, numbness and unpleasantness in your toes.

Regarding Morton’s neuroma there are no outward signs, such as a lump, because this is not a tumor. In both the cases the person suffers a burning pain, which further aggravates with high intensity exercise or wearing of shoes. The pain occurs mostly in the daytime.

Diagnosis & Treatment:

The risk factor of metatarsals is higher when you are involved in high impact sports, wear ill-fitting footwear, are overweight or have other foot problems.

In such circumstances consult a doctor who would examine your foot and you may need an X-ray to identify or rule out a stress fracture or other foot problems.

During the examination for Morton’s neuroma, your doctor will feel for a palpable mass or a “click” between the bones. He or she will put pressure on the spaces between the toe bones to try to replicate the pain and look for evidence of stress fractures in the bones that might be the cause of the pain. Range of motion tests & X-rays may be required to rule out arthritis or joint inflammations.
For the treatment of Morton’s neuroma and metatarsalgia measures to be taken are to rest your foot and avoid excessive sports, apply ice packs to the affected area, take painkillers, wear proper comfortable shoes or place metatarsals pads in your footwear.

You can even get your shoes customized to help you relieve the pain and thereby reducing the pressure on the nerve. Injections would also reduce the swelling and inflammation of the nerve, bringing some relief.

Prevention is always better than cure hence avoiding wearing inappropriate shoes and maintaining a healthy weight to take the load off your feet.