Overview
Metatarsalgia (pronounced “MET-ah-tar-SAL-gee-ah”) refers to pain and inflammation in the ball of your foot, or forefoot. This is the area between the arches and toes on the bottom of your foot. The pain of metatarsalgia typically centers under one or more of the five bones at the bases of your toes, the metatarsal heads.
Metatarsalgia has a number of different causes, including:
- Foot deformities.
- Health conditions involving your foot or ankle.
- Sports and other activities involving running or jumping.
- Wearing shoes that are too tight or too loose.
Treatment varies depending on your condition, but typically starts with simple measures like rest, stretches and over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications.
Symptoms
When to see a doctor
Complications
- High blood pressure.
- Diabetes.
- Heart failure.
- Some types of heart valve disease.
Prevention
- Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
- Don't smoke or use tobacco.
- Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
- Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
- Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Reduce and manage stress.
Living with atrial fibrillation?
Heart Rhythm Conditions Discussions
Comments are closed for this post.