Metatarsalgia – Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis
Doctors begin by examining the foot while the person stands, walks, and sits. They check for visible signs such as swelling, redness, bruising, or deformities, and press on different areas to locate tender or painful spots.
This helps determine whether the pain is caused by soft tissue, joints, nerves, or bones.
They also ask about daily habits, activity levels, footwear, and any recent injuries or changes in routine, such as starting a new sport or walking longer distances.
If they need more information, doctors may order imaging tests such as:
- X-rays, to check for bone problems like fractures or joint issues.
- MRI or ultrasound, to look at soft tissues like tendons, ligaments, or plantar fascia.
- Bone scans, if a stress fracture or subtle injury is suspected but not visible on an X-ray.
In some cases, blood tests may be done to rule out infections or inflammatory conditions like arthritis or gout.
A thorough diagnosis helps doctors match the treatment to the underlying cause—whether it’s overuse, poor biomechanics, inflammation, or another medical condition.
Treatment
Most people get relief with simple treatments. These include resting the foot, wearing shoes with better support, or using metatarsal pads to cushion the sore area.
If these steps do not help and foot problems like hammertoe are present, doctors may recommend surgery to adjust the metatarsal bones.
Self-Care
Taking care of your feet is important when you have pain in the ball of your foot. Resting and raising the foot can help reduce stress and swelling.
Avoid activities that cause pain. Choose gentle exercises like swimming or cycling to stay active without adding pressure to your foot.
Apply an ice pack wrapped in a towel for 20 minutes several times a day to ease pain. Over-the-counter medicines like ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, or aspirin can lower pain and swelling when used as directed.
Wearing comfortable shoes is key. Shoes that fit well—not too tight or too loose—protect your foot from more problems.
Avoid high heels and pick footwear suited to your activities or sports.
Helpful tools for self-care:
| Item | What it does |
|---|---|
| Metatarsal pads | Spread pressure away from sore areas |
| Arch supports | Give better support and foot alignment |
Place metatarsal pads ahead of the sore bone inside the shoe. Arch supports improve how your foot works and reduce strain on the painful area. Some people may need custom-made supports for their feet.
Getting Ready for Your Visit
Steps You Can Take
Before your appointment, gather important information. Write down all symptoms, even those not directly tied to your foot, and note when they started.
Make a list of past health issues, sports or physical activities, and any recent changes in your routine. This information can help make the visit more useful.
Prepare questions for your doctor, such as:
| Sample Questions |
|---|
| What could be causing my discomfort? |
| Should I get any specific tests? |
| Is this issue long-term or short-term? |
| What treatments are best? |
| Will I need to change my daily routine? |
What Your Doctor May Ask
At your visit, your doctor will likely ask about your daily life and habits. Expect questions about:
- The shoes you wear most often
- Daily activities or jobs, especially those with lots of standing or walking
They may also ask if you are sometimes barefoot and on what surfaces.
Your doctor will want to know how often the foot pain happens, what helps, and what makes it worse. Give as many details as possible to help your doctor decide the best approach.
