Metatarsalgia
Metatarsalgia is pain arising from the ends of the metatarsal bones, which form the ball of the foot, usually because there has been the collapse of the arch which runs across the foot. The metatarsal heads were not designed to be walked upon, and doing so causes discomfort. Occasionally there is irritation in one of the nerves that passes between these bones, particularly if there's a swelling (called a neuroma) on the nerve - a condition called Morton's metatarsalgia. The pain may be severe. Relief may be provided by wearing a pad to restore the normal arch of the foot, and exercises (such as picking up a pencil from the floor using your toes) are sometimes helpful. Severe cases of Morton's metatarsalgia may need an operation to remove the neuroma.
|
