Metatarsalgia

At Masterton Foot Clinic, our focus is not simply on treating the pain, but on identifying why excessive load is occurring and addressing the factors driving your symptoms.

What is metatarsalgia?

Metatarsalgia is a term used to describe pain beneath the ball of the foot, usually around the metatarsal heads.

Rather than being a specific diagnosis, metatarsalgia is often a symptom of excessive loading through the forefoot. The key to successful treatment is identifying the underlying cause.

A range of conditions can contribute to metatarsalgia, including bunions, big toe stiffness, plantar plate injuries, Morton's Neuroma, fat pad thinning, stress fractures, and altered foot mechanics.

Symptoms

• Pain beneath the ball of the foot
• Pain when walking, standing, or running
• Feeling like you are walking on a stone or bruise
• Tenderness beneath the forefoot
• Calluses beneath the ball of the foot
• Symptoms that worsen with activity
• Burning or aching discomfort in the forefoot
• Numbness or tingling in the toes

Causes

Metatarsalgia can develop for many reasons, including:

• Increased forefoot loading
• Changes in activity levels
• Poorly fitting footwear
• High-impact sport and exercise
• Bunions
• Big Toe Arthritis
• Reduced ankle mobility
• Fat pad thinning
• Foot posture and biomechanics
• Age-related changes in the foot

Because your feet form the foundation of movement, changes in the way they function can significantly influence how load is distributed through the forefoot.

When to see a podiatrist

We recommend an assessment if:

• Pain is affecting your walking, exercise, work, or daily activities
• Symptoms are persisting despite rest or footwear changes
• You are developing calluses beneath the forefoot
• Symptoms continue to worsen
• You are altering the way you walk because of the pain

Early assessment often allows the underlying cause to be identified before symptoms become more persistent.

How we treat metatarsalgia

At Masterton Foot Clinic, we assess forefoot pain every day.

Our Proven Process combines current evidence with extensive clinical experience to identify why excessive load is occurring through the ball of the foot and develop a treatment plan tailored to your goals and lifestyle.

The most important step is identifying the source of the overload rather than simply treating the symptoms.

Depending on your presentation, treatment may include:

• Custom Foot Orthoses
• Footwear advice
• Shoe modifications
• Pressure redistribution and offloading
• Foot Mobilisation Therapy (FMT)
• Strength and rehabilitation programmes
• Activity modification where appropriate
• Load management strategies

Our goal is to reduce pain, improve comfort, and help you remain active and mobile long term.