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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staffSymptoms of metatarsalgia may include:
- Pain in the ball of your foot — the part of the sole just behind your toes
- Sharp, aching or burning pain
- Pain in the area around your second, third or fourth toes — or, only near your big toe
- Pain that gets worse when you stand, walk or run and improves when you rest
- Sharp or shooting pain in your toes
- Numbness or tingling in your toes
- Pain that worsens when you flex your feet
- A feeling in your feet as if you're walking with a pebble in your shoe
- Increased pain when you're walking barefoot, especially on a hard surface
Sometimes these symptoms develop suddenly — especially if you've recently increased your usual amount of running, jumping or other high-impact exercise — but problems usually develop over time.
When to see a doctor
Not all foot problems need medical care. Sometimes your feet simply ache after a long day of standing or a punishing workout. But it's best not to ignore any foot pain that lasts more than a few days. Talk to your doctor if you experience a burning pain in the ball of your foot that doesn't improve after changing your shoes and modifying your activities.
- 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.
