Metatarsalgia, sometimes called a stone bruise, is a condition characterized by pain or inflammation in the ball of the foot. It is usually not a serious ailment and can be easily treated at home with rest, ice and properly fitted shoes.
Metatarsalgia symptoms vary from person to person, but they usually include a sharp, burning pain on the ball of the foot (the pad just below the toes), pain that worsens with standing or during activity, pain or numbness in the toes, and having the feeling that there is a stone or pebble in your shoe. These symptoms can happen suddenly, but usually they develop over a period of a couple of weeks or months.
There are many causes of metatarsalgia, and several factors often work together to create the painful condition.
Some common causes include:
Metatarsalgia can happen to anyone, but certain activities and conditions can increase your risk of developing the condition. They include participating in athletic activities that put pressure on the feet (tennis, football, baseball and soccer, for example), wearing high heels, wearing shoes that don’t fit properly, and having conditions or disorders that change the shape of your feet (such as foot deformities, bunions, arthritis and gout).
Usually metatarsalgia can be treated at home by resting the affected foot, using ice to reduce swelling, and taking over-the-counter pain medications. Sometimes orthotic footwear, metatarsal pads, steroids and physical therapy are recommended for further pain relief and to help speed healing. It is important not to ignore metatarsaliga because if left untreated, it may lead to pain in other parts of the body and an abnormal gait (limping).
In rare cases, orthopaedic surgery may be required to treat metatarsalgia. This usually happens if another condition — hammertoes, bunions, etc. — is causing the pain and swelling.