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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staff
Metatarsalgia is a condition marked by pain and inflammation in the ball of your foot.
You may experience metatarsalgia if you're physically active and your feet are impacted by running and jumping. Or, you may develop metatarsalgia by wearing ill-fitting shoes. There are other causes as well.
Although generally not serious, metatarsalgia can sideline you. Fortunately, conservative treatments, such as ice and rest, can often relieve metatarsalgia symptoms. And proper footwear, along with shock-absorbing insoles or arch supports, may be all you need to prevent or minimize future problems with metatarsalgia.
- Maguire S. Metatarsalgia. In: Frontera WL, et al. Essentials of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/108516156-8/764507225/1678/87.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-4007-1..50086-9_1382. Accessed Oct. 27, 2008.
- Metatarsalgia. The American College of Foot and Ankle Orthopedics and Medicine. http://www.acfaom.org/metatarsalgia.shtml. Accessed Nov. 4, 2008.
- Bunions. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00155. Accessed Nov. 4, 2008.
- Morton's neuroma. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00158. Accessed Nov. 4, 2008.
- Barbara Woodward Lips Patient Education Center. Metatarsalgia. Rochester, Minn. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2002.
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