7 Nonsurgical Treatment Solutions for Metatarsalgia

Metatarsalgia, or pain in the ball of your foot, can interfere with your life. It’s a tongue twister of a word that takes its name from your metatarsals, otherwise known as your toes. Metatarsalgia pain often stems from overuse, but it can relate to ill-fitting shoes, hammertoes, and other foot problems.

Your metatarsalgia symptoms may disappear with the nonsurgical options suggested in this article. If not, it’s a good idea to see our foot specialist, Dr. Benjamin Clair, DPM, at Sports City USA Foot & Ankle Center in McKinney, Texas. He evaluates your foot pain, discusses your lifestyle with you, and searches for solutions to get you back to living your best life.

Conservative treatment, such as rest and ice, is usually the first option. If that doesn’t do the trick, consider these other treatment options.

1. Pain management

The RICE method is popular with athletes of all types because it's simple and effective. Rest, ice, compression, and elevation can be implemented anywhere. An over-the-counter painkiller, such as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), can also be used.

2. Check your shoes

Do your shoes fit well? Do they support you in your activities? Whether you’re an avid runner or a desk jockey, well-fitting and supportive shoes make a difference. Well-fitting shoes have arch support and plenty of cushion to absorb shocks. They don’t rub and cause calluses or bunions.

3. Reduce activity

Sometimes, metatarsalgia comes on gradually. You may not know what’s causing it, so it's a good idea to rest and evaluate your foot. Take a few days off from high-impact activities and see if that helps your pain.

If this works, you can gradually return to your activities, but note any pain or discomfort. It’s helpful to keep notes about any changes on your phone. That way, you can share your documentation with Dr. Clair.

4. Weight management

Do you carry extra weight? If so, you’re putting additional stress on your joints and feet. Your feet absorb your weight, and extra pounds mean they can develop aches and pains like metatarsalgia.

5. Cushioned pads or orthotics

Special gel inserts designed to cushion the ball of your foot can be bought at any drugstore. Arch supports, full inserts, and other cushions can also be added to your shoes for comfort. Try them and see if they help.

If you need more assistance, we can evaluate your foot and symptoms and make custom orthotic pads to address your specific foot and needs.

6. Foot problems

Bunions, hammertoe, and Morton’s neuroma can all lead to metatarsalgia because they cause changes in your foot. For example, bunions impact the joint of your big toe, which stresses your other toes.

Morton’s neuroma is a nerve thickening, usually between the base of your third and fourth toes. This can put additional pressure on the ball of your foot and create symptoms of metatarsalgia.

7. Check for fractures

It’s possible to have a tiny stress fracture in your foot or toe and not know it. If you do have such a fracture, you might change the way you walk or stand to make allowances for your pain, contributing to other types of pain, including metatarsalgia. An X-ray can uncover such damage.

Dr. Clair can evaluate and recommend treatment for metatarsalgia and other foot problems to help you get back to pain-free living. Call our office or request an appointment online today.