Lateral Metatarsalgia: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Metatarsalgia is a condition that is found in the feet. People may experience metatarsalgia if they are constantly running or jumping on their feet. In addition, according to MayoClinic.com, this condition may occur if a person does not wear the proper shoe.

Definition

• Metatarsalgia is a condition that is caused by pain in the ball of your foot. Metatarsalgia may also cause inflammation in the foot. Lateral metatarsalgia affects the outside arch of the ball of your foot.

Causes

• Causes of metatarsalgia include bunions, constantly being on the feet, hammertoe, feet that take on a certain shape, excessive amount of weight on the foot including body weight, and fractures to the foot.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of metatarsalgia include pain in the ball of your foot, sharp pain in the foot, pain and tingling in the toes, difficulty flexing the foot because of pain, and a hard time walking barefoot because of the pain.

People at Risk

• People at risk for lateral metatarsalgia or metatarsalgia include people who are overweight or obese, people who are involved with intense sports like football or soccer, and people who wear improper or ill-fitted shoes.

Treatments

• Treatments for lateral metatarsalgia include pain relievers, resting more, applying ice to the feet, wearing proper shoes and wearing insoles to help cushion the arch in the foot.