Dr. Vaishali Suri (P.T.)
Metatarsalgia: Ball-of-Foot Pain
Metatarsalgia is pain in the metatarsal heads -- the ball of the foot behind the toes. It is caused by increased pressure on the metatarsal heads during weight-bearing, and is common in: people who stand or walk for many hours (teachers, shopkeepers, factory workers in Faridabad), runners, individuals with high arches (pes cavus), those who wear high-heeled shoes, and older adults (fat pad atrophy at the metatarsal heads).
Conditions Causing Forefoot Pain
Metatarsal stress fractures (from repetitive overloading -- common in runners, military recruits). Morton's neuroma (thickening of the interdigital nerve, typically between 3rd and 4th toes -- causes burning pain and tingling into the toes). Sesamoiditis (inflammation of the sesamoid bones under the 1st metatarsal). Metatarsophalangeal joint synovitis (inflammation of the small forefoot joints).
Physiotherapy Treatment
Metatarsal Padding
Metatarsal dome pads (placed proximal to the metatarsal heads) redistribute pressure away from the painful metatarsal heads. One of the most effective and immediate interventions.
Footwear Assessment
Wider toe box shoes (to reduce forefoot compression), cushioned soles, and low heels significantly reduce metatarsal pressure. We provide specific footwear recommendations.
Gait Retraining
For runners: increasing cadence (step rate) reduces peak metatarsal loading. Landing pattern assessment.
Forefoot Pain Treatment in Faridabad
At Realign Rehab Clinic, NIT-5, Faridabad, we resolve forefoot pain effectively. Book your foot assessment today.