About this topic
There are 5 bones in the middle of your foot. They are the metatarsal bones. You may be having pain in the ball of your foot. This is in the area of the metatarsal bones. The pain may feel like you are walking on sharp rocks. Different things can cause this pain. It can happen if you do a lot of running, walking, or playing sports. Wearing shoes with high heels or those that are too tight may also cause pain. Some foot problems can cause you to feel pain in the ball of your foot. Treatment will depend on what is causing your pain. ‚
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What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Place an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel over the painful part. Never put ice right on the skin. Do not leave the ice on more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
- Prop your foot up on pillows to help with swelling.
- Ask your doctor about arch supports, foot pads, and shock-absorbing insoles.
- Talk to your doctor about stretches you can do.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- Your doctor may send you to a foot specialist or physical therapist to get your foots strength back.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
The doctor may give you a shot of an anti-inflammatory drug called a corticosteroid. This will help with swelling. Talk to your doctor about the risks of this shot. ‚
Will physical activity be limited?
You may need to rest your foot for a while. You should not do physical activity that makes your health problem worse. If you run, work out, or play sports, you may not be able to do those things until your health problem gets better. ‚
What problems could happen?
Pain returns ‚
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Wear proper-fitting shoes that are flat, padded, and not too tight or pointy.
- Wear properly-fitted training or rubber shoes when doing exercises and running.
- Do not try to walk the pain off.
- Avoid wearing high heels.
- Keep a healthy weight. If you are overweight, try to lose weight by doing regular exercises.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Numbness or tingling of your foot or ankle
- Pain that does not go away even with drugs
- Problems moving your foot or ankle
- Health problem is not better or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what may help ease my pain.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have more pain, numbness, or tingling of my foot or ankle or problems moving my foot or ankle.
Where can I learn more?
American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society ‚
http://www.aofas.org/footcaremd/conditions/ailments-of-the-smaller-toes/Pages/Metatarsalgia.aspx ‚
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/metatarsalgia/Pages/Introduction.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚