Metatarsalgia SpecialistsIn Midtown and Downtown Manhattan, NYC

Intense training or activity

Runners are at risk of metatarsalgia, primarily because the front of your foot absorbs significant force when you run. During the push-off phase when one jumps or runs, one’s body weight is transferred to one’s toes and metatarsals. The first and second metatarsal bones take the brunt of this force. This condition commonly occurs when performing high-impact activities especially if one’s shoes are ill-fitting or are worn out.

Certain foot shapes

A high arch can put extra pressure on the metatarsals. So can having a second toe that's longer than the big toe, which causes more weight than normal to be shifted to the second metatarsal head.

Morton's neuroma

The inflammation of nerves typically occurring in between the third and fourth metatarsal heads, causes symptoms that are similar to metatarsalgia and can be very painful. Morton's neuroma frequently results from wearing high heels or too-tight shoes that put pressure on one’s toes. It can also develop after high-impact activities such as jogging and aerobics.

Hammertoe

This foot condition can develop when high heels or too-small shoes prevent one’s toes from lying flat. As a result, one toe — usually the second — curls downward because of a bend in the middle toe joint. This contraction (commonly known as hammertoe) depresses the metatarsal heads.

Excess weight

Because most of one’s bodyweight transfers to one’s forefoot when moving, extra pounds mean more pressure on one’s metatarsals. Losing weight may reduce or eliminate the symptoms of metatarsalgia.

Fat Pad Atrophy

the gradual thinning and loss of the fat pad in the ball or heel of the foot, which exposes the delicate connective soft tissue to pressure and strain to create inflammation and micro-injury.

Poorly fitting shoes

High heels, which transfer extra weight to the front of one’s foot, commonly causing metatarsalgia in women. Shoes with a narrow toe box or athletic shoes that lack support and padding also can contribute to metatarsal problems.

Stress fractures

Small breaks in the metatarsals or toe bones can be painful and change the way one puts weight on his/her foot.

Bunion

A bunion can weaken one’s great toe, which may have an effect on the way pressure and weight are distributed across one’s foot ultimately putting extra stress on the ball of one’s foot. Bunion surgery may also lead to metatarsalgia if you don't your foot enough time to heal properly.