Does Metatarsalgia Go Away on Its Own? (2024)

FAQs

Does Metatarsalgia Go Away on Its Own? ›

While some mild cases of Metatarsalgia may go away on their own with proper rest and footwear adjustments, most cases require medical intervention. Without proper treatment, the condition can worsen and become chronic, leading to long-lasting pain and even changes in the foot's anatomy.

Ball of the foot pain or Metatarsalgia generally takes 6-8 weeks to improve and early activity on the healing bone and joint can result in a setback in recovery. Non-compliance can double the recovery time and can be very frustrating for patients.

Left untreated, metatarsalgia might lead to pain in other parts of the same or opposite foot and pain elsewhere in the body, such as the low back or hip, due to limping (altered gait) from foot pain.

If your pain in the metatarsal area persists for a few days after resting your feet or changing your footwear, it's best to see a doctor. Your doctor will examine your foot and ask you to walk so they can observe your gait. They will also ask you questions about your activities and when the pain started.

Putting weight on the foot can worsen symptoms. With each step, the metatarsal bones rub together, increasing the inflammation of the nerve. Various factors can increase the risk of metatarsal pain, but weighting the foot is what causes the pain.

If possible, don't stand for too long or walk too much. Avoid wearing unsupportive footwear. Avoid walking in your stocking feet for long periods of time. With some basic measures, you should be able to treat metatarsalgia yourself and be on your way.

It can take months for the pain to go away. If the ligaments around a joint are torn, or if a toe has started to slant toward the toe next to it, you may need surgery. Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety.

You might also consider massage therapy as a way to relieve the pressure and stress around the metatarsal bones in your feet so that they have increased mobility and reduced tension in the muscles around the bones.

When left untreated, a metatarsal fracture could become more severe or cause a permanent deformity that affects your mobility. Untreated fractures can also lead to arthritis and chronic pain. Also, in most cases, metatarsal fractures are easily treated, but if you ignore the injury, you could end up needing surgery.

How do podiatrists treat metatarsalgia? ›

Sometimes, treatment can be as simple as changing your shoes or inserting shock-absorbing insoles. Other times, you may require medication to help with metatarsal pain relief. In extreme cases, some patients may need surgery to realign the metatarsal bones.

Inadequate vitamin D can lead to osteoporosis, increased risk of falls, fractures and bone and muscle pain. In the foot and ankle, stress fractures of the metatarsal bones and ankle may be seen in those with vitamin D deficiency, as well as generalized foot pain.

A large variety of lesions can present with central metatarsalgia; some closely mimicking Morton neuroma and others with sensation of walking on pebbles and are often referred for imaging to exclude a Morton neuroma.

To treat metatarsalgia, you should raise your feet when resting, use shock-absorbing insoles or arch supports when walking, add padding to your shoes such as fleecy web, foam, felt or gel covers and use metatarsal pads or a metatarsal bar to support the foot and reduce pressure from the metatarsal bones.

Toe stretches: Toe stretches can help strengthen the muscles in your toes and the ball of your foot, which can help alleviate metatarsalgia pain. To do a toe stretch, sit in a chair and place a towel on the floor in front of you. Place your foot on the towel and use your toes to pull the towel towards you.

The most common medications used to treat metatarsalgia are over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers. ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) and naproxen sodium (Aleve).

Soaking your feet in an Epsom salt solution can help reduce pain and inflammation associated with metatarsalgia.

Metatarsalgia exercises. A stretching regime is also a fundamental element of your recovery, helping to alleviate pain whilst strengthening key muscles which can help in preventing metatarsalgia. The most important areas to focus on for recovery are the calf muscles, achilles tendons, ankles, and toes.