It seems to be this time of year that I see a lot of
patients with complaints of pain to the ball of their feet. I’m not sure if it
is the transition from summer sandals to boots, but I would like to take this
blog to discuss different conditions and how they present themselves as ball of
foot pain.
What are the Most
Common things seen in the ball of the foot?
Metatarsalgia, which is a common term used to describe pain
to the ball of the foot is all encompassing of many different conditions
causing pain to the ball of the foot. Morton’s neuroma, stress fractures,
capsulitis and plantar plate ruptures are just a few examples of things that
can cause ball of foot pain.
Morton’s Neuroma
Morton’s neuromas is an enlarged nerve that tends to find
itself between the 3rd and 4th metatarsal bone. It causes
nerve pain, such as burning, tingling and possibly numbness to the ball of the
foot. Most of the times it is more severe with tight shoes. Treatment including
wider shoes, padding, injections and possibly surgery. It can be diagnosed with
an ultrasound and/or MRI and of course with clinical exam.
Stress Fractures
Stress fractures are tiny microscopic fractures in the bone
that over time present itself with pain to the metatarsal area. The 2nd
metatarsal is the most common bone that develops stress fractures, and that has
to do with the biomechanics of the foot. It may be hard to diagnose because a
fracture isn’t always visible in a plain x-ray until at least 10-14 days after
the onset of symptoms. Many times patients are treated for a stress fracture
until a future x-ray can proof otherwise. Treatment includes immobilization is
a walking boot or cast.
Capsulitis/Plantar
Plate Rupture
Capsulitis is defined as inflammation in the joints between
the metatarsal bones and the toes. There are many causes of capsulitis,
including faulty biomechanics, overuse, and injury just to name a few. Many
times a plantar plate rupture, which is a rupture of the ligaments on the
bottom of the joint, are what causes the pain. Usually when a patient presents
with this it is a condition, it has been going on for a while and they are in a
lot of pain. This condition may take a while to treat, since most of the time
it takes a while to present itself. Usually orthotics, padding in the shoes,
anti-inflammatory medication, injections and possibly surgery can fix this
condition.
In conclusion, there are many conditions that can cause pain
in the ball of the foot. It is important to get a proper diagnosis before
beginning treatment. If you wait to see help it may take that much longer to
get treated and be healed.
For more information, please visit our website at http://www.footnj.com/nj-podiatrist-our-services
