Intense forefoot pain – could this be the cause?

I believe many people start to experience forefoot pain as they get older. Do you know that forefoot pain is closely related to the metatarsals? The metatarsals are located in the front part of the sole of the foot, at the prominence where the toes and the foot meet. If pain occurs in this area, it is metatarsalgia, also known as the common forefoot pain.

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Causes

The metatarsal heads are located in the front part of the sole of the foot, at the prominence where the toes and the foot meet. If pain occurs in this area, it is metatarsalgia, also known as the common forefoot pain.

It is usually caused by long-term abnormal stress on the foot. The most common causes are overuse, repetitive use of the foot, or improper gait. If there is forefoot pain, in addition to the metatarsals being affected, it can also affect the sesamoids, ligaments, neuromas, or tendonitis.

Flat feet, high arches, hammer toes, bunions, and being overweight can all increase pressure on the forefoot, making it more prone to forefoot pain.

Symptoms and Impact

Symptoms include intense pain and a burning sensation in the forefoot. The pain worsens when running, standing, or walking, and subsides with rest. The pain can spread to the toes, even causing numbness in the toes.

Pain is usually only felt during activity, as the metatarsal area is constantly touched during activity. Moreover, it does not improve with rest, and if not properly treated, it may lead to progressive pain.

If metatarsalgia develops, it will affect daily life and exercise. Pain occurs every time the feet touch the ground, and calluses will form on the chronically stressed metatarsal area. In severe cases, there will be sharp pain when the metatarsophalangeal joint is flexed. After standing for a period of time, the forefoot may experience more noticeable pain and a burning sensation.

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Prevention

Wear shoes that are the right size and softness, with enough space for even pressure distribution on the foot.

Avoid wearing high heels, and shoes with narrow or pointed toes, which can squeeze and put pressure on the metatarsals.

Wear appropriate insoles, such as forefoot pads, to support the metatarsals, reduce pressure on them, and lessen the chance of metatarsalgia.

Lose weight, as being overweight also increases the burden when walking. Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the burden on the metatarsals.

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*The above does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment for general conditions or any individual or patient cases, and should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

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Published: January 9, 2023 If you would like to receive free health information regularly, please subscribe to us.

#Metatarsalgia #ForefootPain