What do you need to know about metatarsalgia?
Metatarsalgia is a nonspecific diagnosis that describes pain in and about the head of the metatarsal, metatarsophalangeal joint, and adjacent soft-tissue structures. Prathap Jacob Joseph MD, Robert J. Scardina DPM, in Essentials of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (Fourth Edition), 2020
What is pain in the head of the metatarsal?
Metatarsalgia is a nonspecific diagnosis that describes pain in and about the head of the metatarsal, metatarsophalangeal joint, and adjacent soft-tissue structures. Primary pathology of the foot including gout and occult fractures may mimic the pain and disability associated with metatarsalgia.
Can a dancer with MTPJ have metatarsalgia?
Metatarsalgia is not exceptionally common in dancers, so in a dancer with forefoot pain Frieberg’s infarction or MTPJ synovitis or instability should be suspected. Frieberg’s infarction is an idiopathic osteonecrosis (most often of the second metatarsal head) more common in females and usually presents as metatarsalgia and MTPJ swelling and pain.
What causes weightbearing under the first metatarsal head?
Conditions such as hallux valgus, short first metatarsal, metatarsus adductus, and proximal place- ment of the sesamoids result in reduced weightbearing for the first ray and place increased pressure under the lesser metatarsals. Flatfoot with resultant forefoot supinatus indirectly reduces the weightbearing under the first metatarsal head.
What does the term metatarsalgia mean in medical terms?
Metatarsalgiais a common overuse injury. The term describes pain and inflammationin the ball of your foot. It’s often thought of as a symptom of other conditions, rather than as a specific disease.
Can a foot condition be classified as a disability?
However, if the diagnosed foot conditions manifest in different ways, it is possible they will be rated separately. Bilateral disabilities are recognized by VA as severely limiting to a veteran’s ability to function, and thus warrant a higher rating percentage.
How long does it take for metatarsalgia to occur?
Most often, the pain comes on over a period of several months, rather than suddenly. A condition known as Morton’s neuroma (interdigital neuroma) produces symptoms of metatarsalgia due to irritation and inflammation of a nerve at the site of pain. People with Morton’s neuroma may experience toe numbness in addition to pain in the forefoot.
What can I do to get rid of metatarsalgia?
The following measures will often help improve metatarsalgia and stop it coming back: rest your feet – put your feet up regularly and avoid activities that make the pain worse; try low-impact activities such as cycling or swimming instead of sports that involve a lot of running or jumping