The long bones of the foot that connect the heel and the toes are called metatarsals. When the rounded head of a metatarsal bone is under pressure, it can become inflamed and painful with every step you take. The two main causes of this type of pain, also termed metatarsalgia, are the foot hitting a hard surface when you walk or run and faulty biomechanics of the foot itself. In many cases, the activity you are undergoing, such as running or walking long distances, or the shoes your wear may be the culprit. Pounding on pavement over long periods can bruise the metatarsals. Wearing high heels with pointy toes puts extreme pressure on these bones. Other causes include foot deformities like bunions and hammertoes that can affect your gait, being overweight, stress fractures that change the distribution of weight, and high arches. If metatarsal pain has begun to interfere with your daily life, it is a good idea to consult a podiatrist for an examination, diagnosis and options for treatment.
Foot Pain
Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Ali Davis, DPM from The Foot Clinic. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Causes
Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:
- Bunions
- Hammertoes
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Bone Spurs
- Corns
- Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
- Ingrown Toenails
- Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
- Flat Feet
- Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
- And more
Diagnosis
To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.
Treatment
Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Overland Park, KS . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
