Metatarsalgia is defined as pain beneath the metatarsal heads or shafts. It may be due to trauma, inflammation and static causes.Types
1. Static Metatarsalgia: Found with developmental anomalies like metatarsus primus varus, hallux valgus, metatarsus hypermobilis, and obesity and debilitating illness.
2. Relaxation Metatarsalgia: Interosseous muscles flex the MTP joints extend the toes draw the metatarsals together. Failure of these muscles causes splaying of the foot. The extra-weight borne by the metatarsal heads throws a strain on the transverse ligament of the metatarsal heads and pain results.
3. Compression Metatarsalgia: Due to crowded footwear and this causes neuritis.
4. Fracture of II Metatarsal bone: An old fracture of the base of the second metatarsal bone (transverse and undisplaced) is a common cause of chronic midfoot pain. It usually remains undetected. Treatment ranges from immobilization, electrical stimulation to surgical bone grafting.
Clinical Features
- In relaxation Metatarsalgia (commonest variety), the patient complains of pain beneath the metatarsal heads, compression of the foot increases the pain.
- Splayfoot, atrophy of the interosseous muscles, and clawing of the toes are the other features.
Treatment consists of intrinsic muscle exercises, well-designed shoes, pad and strapping changed at intervals of one week, support of inner sole with pad, and oblique osteotomy of the metatarsal necks for metatarsalgia associated with metatarsal head prolapse.
Metatarsalgia is a type of pain and inflammation that occurs in a part of the foot known as the metatarsal (ball of foot). Metatarsalgia can affect males and females of all ages, but is most common in middle aged females. Accessible Physical Therapy Services currently has three major locations in Greenbelt, Waldorf, and Silver Spring. At Accessible Physical Therapy Services we provide a full range of therapy services including but not limited to ultrasound electric stimulation, traction, therapeutic exercises, massage and aquatic therapy. Call today for quick Appointment: (301) 552-8700
http://www.accessiblept.com
