What is Metatarsalgia?
Conditions that can cause metatarsalgia include:
- Sesamoiditis
- Plantar plate injury
- Metatarsophalangeal joint capsulitis or synovitis
- Collateral ligament injury of the toe joint
- Stress fracture of the metatarsal bone
- Neuroma
- Intermetatarsal bursitis
- Arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis
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Risk Factors of Metatarsalgia
Risk factors that can cause metatarsalgia include:
- High-impact sports
- Barefoot training or running
- Sudden increase in activity
- Landing from height
- Footwear that lacks support or cushion
- Reduced fat pad under the foot
- Activities that puts pressure on the forefoot (e.g sprinting, ballet)
Signs and Symptoms of Metatarsalgia
Signs and symptoms of metatarsalgia include:
- Pain around the ball of the foot
- Stiffness or pain when moving the toe
- Redness or swelling may be present
- Pain when walking barefoot
- Numbness, tingling or burning sensation if a nerve is affected
Metatarsalgia Management in Singapore
The management for metatarsalgia is based on the underlying diagnosis but often involves reducing the load on the forefoot and alleviating the symptoms.
Management options in Singapore usually include:
- Rest and ice if swelling is present
- Changing to lower-impact activity
- Avoid barefoot walking or exercising
- Changing to supportive and cushioning footwear
- Taping or padding
- Customised foot orthoses to reduce forefoot pressure
- Extracorporeal shockwave therapy and Magnetotranduction Therapy to reduce pain and inflammation
