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Metatarsalgia
Metatarsalgia (say "met-uh-tar-SAL-jee-uh") is pain in the ball of the foot. It sometimes spreads to the toes. The ball of the foot is the bottom of the foot, where the toe bones join the foot bones.
How can you care for yourself when you have metatarsalgia?
- Rest your foot. If an activity is causing the pain, find another one to do that does not put so much pressure on your foot.
- Put ice or a cold pack on your foot when it hurts or after you've done something that usually causes pain. Do this for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Put a thin cloth between the ice and your skin.
- Take an over-the-counter pain medicine, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve). Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
- Wear roomy, comfortable shoes.
- If your doctor recommends it, use special pads to relieve the pressure on your foot. The pads may fit into your shoes, or they may stick to the soles of your feet.
- Ask your doctor about using orthotic shoe devices. These are molded pieces of rubber, leather, metal, plastic, or other synthetic material that are inserted into a shoe.
- Wear shoes with good arch support.
- Try not to wear high heels or narrow shoes.
- Follow your doctor's or physical therapist's directions for exercise.
Metatarsalgia: When to call
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- You have new or worse symptoms.
- You do not get better as expected.
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