Metatarsalgia
It is an irritation of the metatarsals, which are the bones at the base of your toes on the bottom of your foot.
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What is metatarsalgia?
It is an irritation of the metatarsals, which are the bones at the base of your toes on the bottom of your foot.
What are metatarsals?
They are rod-shaped bones in the front of the foot, just before the toes. They play an important role in supporting the foot and transferring weight.
What are the causes of metatarsalgia?
It is caused by too much pressure on the front of the foot. The causes of this pressure can be different, such as:
- Trauma or impact directly on the bone, such as:
- Landing too hard on the balls of your feet
- Small, repetitive traumas on the front of the foot leading to excessive pressure on the bone
- Overload on the forefoot (wearing high heels more than usual)
When running, the causes of metatarsalgia are:
- Switching too quickly to a more minimalist shoe
- Starting to run more on the balls of your feet without proper moderation
- An increase in speed or elevation gain
What are the symptoms of metatarsalgia?
The most common symptoms are:
- Pain under the front of the foot at the base of the toes
- The pain is increased by
- Walking on the balls of your feet
- Jumping
- Running on your toes
- Walking barefoot
How is metatarsalgia diagnosed?
Diagnosis is possible through a review of your symptom history and a clinical examination.
When should I see a physiotherapist for metatarsalgia?
You should consult a physiotherapist if you have symptoms as described above or if your doctor has already ruled out any other cause that may be responsible for your pain.
You do not need to see a doctor before consulting a physiotherapist. If your condition requires you to see a doctor, your physiotherapist will be able to tell you.
What are the physiotherapy treatments for metatarsalgia?
Your physiotherapist will perform an evaluation to determine the cause of your patellofemoral syndrome and will assess the following elements:
- Your joint mobility
- The gliding of your nerves
- The quality of your movements
- Your strength and stability
To learn more...
You can listen to the podcast PARLE-MOI DE SANTÉ created by one of our physiotherapists, Alexis Gougeon.
Episode #1 discusses the prevention and treatment of running injuries.
Find the episode on YouTube:
Click below to listen to episodes on podcast platforms:
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Sources
- Dubois, B. (2019). « The Running Clinic, health through running ». Mons Eds.
- Besse JL. Metatarsalgia. Orthopaedics & Traumatology: Surgery & Research. 2017 Feb 1;103(1):S29-39.
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