Metatarsalgia and Morton’s Neuroma are medical terms that describe 2 common conditions that result in pain or discomfort around the ball of the foot.
Metatarsalgia symptoms may range from dull ache to a sharp pain or even a burning sensation under the ball of the foot.
The pain is usually worse when you walk or run, and sometimes it may cause tingling or numbness in the toes.
Morton’s Neuroma refers to a specific medical condition where pain is located between the 3rd and 4th toe. The pain is the result compression and swelling of the nerve that sits between the toes.
Morton’s Neuroma symptoms are generally more localised between the 3rd and 4th toes and far more painful since the condition is the result of an inflamed nerve.
There can be multiple factors associated with Metatarsalgia and Morton’s Neuroma, but a key contributing factor is excessive pronation, which causes the foot to flatten.
When the foot pronates excessively, the metatarsal arch collapses causing the metatarsal bones to rotate excessively, placing stress on the joints, muscles and tendons that can result in pain and discomfort.
Tight fitting footwear can contribute to the condition but it is not usually a primary cause.
Ageing may also be a factor because the fat pad that cushions the ball of your foot gets thinner as you age.
One of the best ways to treat either condition is to use the Pedistep orthotic to support the foot and limit excessive pronation.
This will limit the collapse of the metatarsal arch, reduce the forces that act on the metatarsals and reduce the stress placed on the joints, muscles and tendons of the foot.