Metatarsalgia is a type of pain or inflammation that occurs in a part of the foot known as the metatarsal or ball of foot. It often occurs in the metatarsal heads – where the three middle toes meet the ball of the foot. It is a common problem which can affect the bones and joints of the metatarsals. Metatarsalgia generally results from excessive force or loading under the metatarsal heads.

A common symptom of metatarsalgia is pain that can be sharp or dull and is difficult to resolve despite many attempts. The location of the pain is usually in the forefoot. The source of the pain must first be established before successful orthotic intervention can be attempted.

One of the causes of metatarsalgia is defined as pain related to structure or function that result in a chronic imbalance of the pressure through the ball of the foot. Diagnoses of primary metatarsalgia include pain with walking, standing and running.

Excessive aversion of the rearfoot can increase force under the metatarsal bones and soft tissues. This aversion causes the fat pad under the ball of the foot to atrophy and increase ground reactive force under selected metatarsal heads.

This pain does not originate within the metatarsal area, but the outside force produces problems or a mechanical imbalance affecting the metatarsophalangeal joint area.

The most common cause of the metatarsalgia is poor foot biomechanics. This can originate from high arches or flat feet. When the arch of the foot does not have a proper height, the stress and pressure will be localized around the ball of the foot or heel. As this build of the pressure increases, the stress causes inflammation, pain and soreness.

The best and most effective treatment method for metatarsalgia is to correct the cause of the condition and that is through custom foot orthotics. Orthotics corrects the faulty biomechanics of the foot and normalizes the arch of the foot. Foot orthotics has to be custom made in order to provide the best support, alignment and correction. By correcting the foot biomechanics, alignment and arch height the pressure from the plantar muscle will reduced tremendously, this will start the recovery action the foot requires and the mending and healing the injured muscle including the heel area where the tendon is under stress will take place.

The best method of making the custom foot orthotics is 3D laser imaging scan, plaster molding and foam boxes. The chiropractor at Burrard Chiropractic and Foot Orthotics will do the necessary consultation, examination, gait scan analysis of the feet and a 3D laser imaging scan of the feet to be sent to the laboratory to be processed and the custom foot orthotics will be manufactured.