Also known as “dropped metatarsal heads,” metatarsalgia can cause abnormal weight distribution across the foot, due to overpronation. Metatarsalgia is most often caused by:
Arthritis
.
Trauma to the foot
(sports injuries, car accidents, repeated stress)
What is a collapsed metatarsal?
A dropped metatarsal head is a condition wherein one of the metatarsal bones (usually the second metatarsal)
is lower than the rest at the distal end
.
How do you fix a dropped metatarsal?
- Rest. Protect your foot from further injury by not stressing it. …
- Ice the affected area. Apply ice packs to the affected area for about 20 minutes at a time several times a day. …
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever. …
- Wear proper shoes. …
- Use metatarsal pads. …
- Consider arch supports.
Which arch is affected when the metatarsal heads are dropped?
Dropped Metatarsal Heads Treatment | Vancouver Orthotics
The foot has two major arches: the medial longitudinal arch and
the metarsal, or transverse arch
. When the transverse arch falls, so do the metatarsal heads and this can lead to a condition called Metatarsalgia.
What are metatarsal heads?
The metatarsal heads are commonly referred to as
the balls of the foot
, and is the location under the foot where you push off when walking or running.
How do you know if you have damaged your metatarsal?
Signs and symptoms of a traumatic fracture include: You may hear a sound at the time of the break. Pinpoint pain (pain at the place of impact) at the time the fracture occurs and perhaps for a few hours later, but often the pain goes away after several hours.
Crooked or abnormal appearance of the toe.
Do metatarsal pads work?
Studies evaluating met pads for metatarsalgia have been primarily positive. Kang et al found that applying met pads is
an effective method for reducing pressure unloading under the met heads and relieving symptoms of metatarsalgia
.
What does capsulitis metatarsal feel like?
It can feel like there’s
a marble in the shoe
or a sock is bunched up. Swelling in the area of pain, including the base of the toe. Difficulty wearing shoes. Pain when walking barefoot.
Can you walk on a broken metatarsal?
You
can walk on your injured foot as much as your pain allows
. You should gradually stop using the supportive shoe over three to five weeks, as your pain settles. Most base of 5th metatarsal injuries heal without any problems.
How do I strengthen my metatarsals?
Put your affected foot about a step behind your other foot. Keeping your back leg straight and your back heel on the floor, bend your front knee and gently bring your hip and chest toward the wall until you feel a stretch in the calf of your back leg. Hold the stretch for at least 15 to 30 seconds. Repeat 2 to 4 times.
Will stretching help metatarsalgia?
Metatarsalgia exercises. A stretching regime is also a fundamental element of your recovery, helping to alleviate pain whilst strengthening key muscles which can help in preventing metatarsalgia. The most important areas to focus on for recovery are the calf
muscles
, achilles tendons, ankles, and toes.
Do Orthotics help metatarsalgia?
Orthotics are key components in treating metatarsalgia
and one can employ various orthotic modifications after identifying the underlying etiology. Manipulation, shoe modifications, injections and surgery are other treatment options clinicians can use with or instead of orthotics.
Should metatarsal pads hurt?
Placing the
pad under the ball of the foot will be uncomfortable
and could possibly worsen your condition. Met pads are commonly used by people who suffer from conditions such as: ball of foot pain, metatarsalgia, capsulitis and neuromas.
Will metatarsalgia ever go away?
It can take months for the pain to go away
. If the ligaments around a joint are torn, or if a toe has started to slant toward the toe next to it, you may need surgery.
Is metatarsalgia a disability?
The only schedular rating available in the case of metatarsalgia is
10 percent
, whether the disability is unilateral or bilateral. As noted above, the veteran is currently rated as 10 percent disabled for bilateral metatarsalgia. Thus, a higher evaluation is not available under Diagnostic Code 5279. 38 C.F.R.
Can metatarsalgia come on suddenly?
The main symptom of metatarsalgia is pain in the metatarsal area under the ball of the foot. Metatarsalgia may or may not be accompanied by bruising and swelling or inflammation.
Symptoms can come on quickly or develop over time
.
