Common Side Effects Ball Of Foot Pain Redness Swelling Callouses Foot Deformity Hammer Toes << Back to the 3D Foot
	Description: Metatarsalgia is a common overuse injury described as pain in the forefoot associated with increased stress over the metatarsal head region. Metatarsalgia often is referred to as a symptom, rather than as a specific disease. Common causes of Metatarsalgia include inter-digital neuroma, metatarsophalangeal synovitis, vascular necrosis, sesamoiditis, and inflammatory arthritis; however, these causes often are diagnosed separately. Problems it causes: The primary symptom of Metatarsalgia is pain at one or more of the metatarsal heads. Diffuse forefoot pain and mid foot pain are often present in athletes with combinations of high-impact inflammatory conditions. Pain typically is aggravated during the mid stance and propulsion phases of walking or running. A history of gradual chronic onset is more common than acute presentation. Chronic symptoms may be of gradual onset over 6 months. Morton neuroma (inter-digital neuroma) produces symptoms of Metatarsalgia due to irritation and inflammation of the digital nerve located in the web space between the metatarsal heads. Patients with Morton neuroma may complain of toe numbness, in addition to pain in the forefoot. The term Morton neuroma is a misnomer because no neuroma truly exists. Rather, the lesion results from a mechanical entrapment neuropathy. Pain and tenderness are experienced on the plantar surface of the metatarsal head, which often is accompanied by the development of a callus formation (plantar keratosis). What Causes It: The foot frequently is injured during sports activities. As in many other overuse syndromes, the condition may be the result of an alteration in normal biomechanics that has caused an abnormal weight distribution among the metatarsal heads. Persistent stress can lead to chronic irritation and inflammation of the periosteum and adjacent tissues. The following factors can contribute to excessive localized pressure over the forefoot: High level of activity Prominent metatarsal heads Tight toe footwear Light weight and flexible footwear Hammertoe deformity Hyper mobile first ray Tight Achilles tendon Excessive pronation Some anatomical conditions may cause individuals to have forefoot problems. A high arch with stress to the forefoot, as seen with pes cavus foot type, often causes pain in the metatarsal region. Individuals with a Morton toe have a short first metatarsal bone. The normal forefoot balance is disturbed, which results in abnormal subtalar joint pronation. This pronation results in the shift of an increased amount of weight to the second metatarsal. Hammertoe deformity causes Metatarsalgia because the top of the shoe pushes the toe down, depressing the metatarsal heads. Toes also share some weight bearing. Hallux valgus may create abnormal foot biomechanics. These musculoskeletal problems may contribute to forefoot trauma in athletes. Callus is formed as a skin reaction to prolonged pressure, with the skin becoming thickened and hyperkeratotic. How to help the pain: Wearing shoes with extra toe is the first step.  Shoes that squeeze the foot will intensify the pain and damage the foot more.  Shoe that have extra cushion such as running shoe or specialty shoes will reduce the pressure.  Orthotics can be made to redistribute body weight of the metatarsals allowing them to heal.
	Products that will help: Mens Extra Depth These Men's extra depth shoes have 1/2“ of soft padding.  That is about 4 times the amount of regular shoes. The insoles are removable to allow maximum depth for custom orthotics with lots of padding. When the bottom of your feet are hurting from pressure, there is nothing like extreme padding. Brandon Womens Exrta Depth These Womens's extra depth shoes have 1/2“ of soft padding.  That is about 4 times the amount of regular shoes. The insoles are removable to allow maximum depth for custom orthotics with lots of padding. When the bottom of your feet are hurting from pressure, there is nothing like extreme padding. Chandelle Custom Orthotics A custom orthotic can take the weight of your body and dispense it more evenly through out the foot.  Keeping the foot in a neutral position helps reduce or eliminate most common foot problems. By Adding a metatarsal pad and other modifications to a custom orthotic we can manipulate the foot and help with common aches and pains associated with Metatarsalgia. EVA Custom -Rigid This custom functional orthotic delivers the arch support you need to load body weight into the arch. Metatarsal pads are also easily added to reduce more pressure from the Metataral bones.  When shoes are limited to space for a full length orthotic, this becomes then next best solution. Rigid Supportive Sandal When you suffer from Metatarsalgia you need constant support and cushion.  An easy to slip on sandal with arch support and a 1/2” of cushioning  can help. Use as a slipper around the house or just out outside to get the mail. Works great for short events that require a more attractive look than shoes. Chloe Bio Tech Rigid This over the counter orthotic delivers the arch support you need to load body weight into the arch. Metatarsal pads are also easily added to reduce more pressure from the Metataral bones.  When shoes are limited to space for a full length orthotic, this becomes then next best solution. This is a cost effective solution when custom orthotics are out of budget. Men's Brooks This Men's athletic shoe has a sock absorbing rocker sole that eases foot impact to the ground.  Ultimately reducing the pressure to the bottom of the foot. This is also Brook's most advanced shoe for support. Brooks offers other styles that may fit your budget and practical needs as well. Beast Women's Brooks This Women's athletic shoe has a sock absorbing rocker sole that eases foot impact to the ground.  Ultimately reducing the pressure to the bottom of the foot. This is also Brook's most advanced shoe for support. Brooks offers other styles that may fit your budget and practical needs as well. Ariel << Back to the 3D Foot