The general term metatarsalgia is used to denote a pain in the metatarsal region, in most cases it is referred in the plantar area, and is caused by an excessive load over one or more metatarsal joints.
Among the most common causes of metatarsalgia are found:

• Transverse plane deformity of the foot;
• Joint diseases of forefoot and midfoot, phalanx, soft tissues and toe nails in the foot;
• Inappropriate footware (i.e. high heels, tight shoes, etc.);
• Excessive overload;
• Excessive overweight;
• Neurological causes (i.e. Morton’s neuroma, peripheral neuropathy, etc.).

In most of the patients, in the painful areas there is plantar callosity that frequently makes the march intolerable and, in some cases, lead the subject to take anomalous weight-bearing positions in order to avoid pain.

The mistaken posture, typical of patients with metatarsalgia can cause long-term consequences eliciting pain and disorders also in other joints like knees, hips or spine.

In cases of mild-moderate metatarsalgia, a conservative approach could be chosen with the use of protective silicone orthoses of new generation, able to discharge the painful metatarsal heads.

Ask you Podiatris for advice.