What is Metatarsalgia?
Metatarsalgia is pain, tenderness and inflammation in the ball of the foot (the area between the arch and the toes). It can affect all people but is more prevelant in athletes or people who engage in high-impact activities. The pain is typically worse when you walk, stand or extend your toes. You may even feel a burning sensation, shooting pain, tingling or numbness in the ball of the foot or toes. Metatarsalgia is typically an over-use injury but can also be from wearing improper footwear, having high arches or hammertoes.
What is Morton's Neuroma?
Morton's Neuroma is a painful condition that affects the ball of the foot, specifically the area between the 3rd and 4th toes. It is caused by thickening of the tissue surrounding the plantar digital nerve, usually due to compression and irritation. The symptoms are typically a sharp and burning pain in the ball of the foot but can also feel tingling, numbness or feel like there is a pebble in your shoe or you can feel a pronounced lump in the area. Common causes may include repetive-stress on the area such as running or jumping. Wearing high-heels or shoes with a narrow toe box, and certain foot deformities such as high arches, low arches, bunions and hammertoes can also play a factor.
Treatment
-A thorough and detailed evaluation
-Treatment of injured soft tissues (dry needling, A.R.T, class IV laser, IASTM and cupping)
-Restore joint mobility and increase range of motion
-Strengthen and stabilize (DNS and exercise rehabilitation)
