Metatarsalgia & Neuromas

Metatarsalgia is a general term used to denote a painful inflammatory foot condition in the metatarsal region of the foot (the area just before the toes, or the ball of the foot). This ball-of-the-foot pain is often located under the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th metatarsal heads or occasionally at the 1st metatarsal head (near the big toe). Morton's Neuroma is an abnormal function of the foot that leads to metatarsal bones squeezing a nerve usually between the 3rd and 4th metatarsal heads. A neuroma is an irritation resulting from this abnormal pressure or a repetitive trauma.

Birkenstock has many products that can help with Metatarsalgia and Morton’s Neuroma. Please contact your local Birkenstock retailer for their healthy footwear recommendations.

Symptoms:

Metatarsalgia is often described as “walking with a pebble in my shoe”. Calluses may be present under the metatarsal heads (ball of foot) and will be variable in location, size and shape. A person suffering with Morton’s Neuroma will feel extreme tenderness at the ball of the foot. Some will feel a “red hot poker” burning sensation. Numbness may also occur with a “pins and needles” sensation.

Causes/Risk Factors:

Metatarsalgia and Neuromas are fairly common foot ailments. Some typical causes for each are listed below:

Metatarsalgia

• Often a result of an imbalance between the outside and inside arches of the foot
• Usually due to excessive pressure on the metatarsal heads (ball of the foot) over a long period of time
• Often caused by improper fitting footwear such as women's dress shoes and other restrictive footwear. This condition occurs 5 times as often in women than men
• Footwear with a narrow toe box (toe area) causes the ball-of-the-foot area to be forced into a minimal amount of space
• Shoes with elevated heels
• Participating in high impact activities without proper footwear or arch support
• As we get older, the fat pad in our foot tends to thin out making us more susceptible to pain in the ball of the foot
• Osteoarthritis

Morton's Neuroma

• Often caused by pointed-toe footwear, high heels and footwear with a narrow toe box
• Constricting shoes can pinch the nerve between the toes causing discomfort and extreme pain
• Over pronating while walking
• Having flat feet
• Tight Achilles tendon
• Obesity
• Loss of fat pad under foot
  

Prevention & Treatment:

The first step in the treatment of most forefoot conditions is determining what is causing the problem. Check with your medical professional (family doctor or podiatrist) to help you find the best solution for your pain or discomfort. You can reduce the risk and discomfort of Metatarsalgia and Morton's Neuroma by following these simple guidelines:

Metatarsalgia

• Choose footwear with a higher, wider toe box (toe area) to allow the foot to take on its natural shape
• Choose footwear with a deep heel cup, pronounced metatarsal support, add additional padding if needed
• Avoid standing for long periods on hard surfaces
• Ice the ball of the foot which may reduce the inflammation
• Gently stretch the Achilles tendon and calf muscles

Morton's Neuroma

• Choose footwear with a higher and wider toe box (toe area) to allow the foot to take on its natural shape
• Choose footwear with a pronounced metatarsal arch support and add additional padding if necessary if needed to unload pressure and relieve pain