How do you Fix Metatarsalgia?

There are many treatment options available to fix Metatarsalgia.  It is important to understand that Metatarsalgia simply means “Pain in the Metatarsals”.  What is important to know is WHAT anatomical structure is injured and causing your metatarsal pain?  Some of the structures that can be damaged and cause pain in the metatarsal region are the joint capsule (Capsulitis), Plantar Plate Ligament (Tear or Sprain), metatarsal bone (Bone marrow edema or stress fracture) and a Morton’s Neuroma (Inflamed nerve between the toes).  It is critical to have an accurate diagnosis so that you can choose how to fix Metatarsalgia.  Some Metatarsalgia treatments are more conservative than others, some are more effective and still some are more expensive than others.  If caught and treated early Metatarsalgia will usually resolve with inexpensive and simple treatments.

Fix Metatarsalgia byRemoving the Aggravating Variable

To fix Metatarsalgia remove the variable that is either causing your Metatarsal pain or contributing to it.  For example; if running is irritating it and you keep running it will worsen and can lead to permanent damage to your Joint Capsule, Plantar Plate ligament or bone.  Another example would be high heels.  If high heels are aggravating your Metatarsalgia then you must stop wearing them, at least until it heals. In other words if you have a rock in your shoe you must remove it or you will not get better.  This is the first step in how you fix Metatarsalgia.

Fix Metatarsalgia with Rest

Rest from activity, especially those activities that require running, jumping, walking or any other weight bearing activity.  If you are on your feet at work and this aggravates your Metatarsalgia it may be necessary to take time off or request a modified job position until you heal.  No amount of ice or Ibuprofen will help if you continue aggravating your Metatarsalgia.  This is the second step in how you fix Metatarsalgia.

Do I need Crutches to Fix Metatarsalgia

It may be necessary to be non-weight bearing to fix your Metatarsalgia.  This will usually be dictated by the severity.  Crutches are cheap and effective.  Other methods include wheelchairs, knee scooters and Peg-Legs.

Do I need a Walking Boot for Metatarsalgia

Instead of crutches a walking boot that has a stiff soled rocker bottom might be your best option.  There are many types and varieties of walking boots but the variable that makes them effective in treating Metatarsalgia is a stiff soled, rocker bottom which prevents loading and flexing the Metatarsal region.  As your Metatarsalgia heals it might be possible to transition to a rocker bottom walking or running shoe.  This is the third step in how to fix your Metatarsalgia.

Over the Counter Orthotics to fix Metatarsalgia

Over the counter orthotics are a cheap but usually ineffective method to fix Metatarsalgia.  If the over the counter orthotic is going to have a chance at being effective it must have a metatarsal pad and must be comfortable.  If the orthotic or metatarsal pad irritates the metatarsal region you will not be able to heal.  Finding the right orthotic with a metatarsal pad that is both comfortable and effective is the fourth step in how to fix Metatarsalgia.  If this step fails you should consider the next step, custom orthotics.

If you have tried met-pads in the past and they were painful they were most likely too hard, too high or not placed properly,.  San Diego Running Institute can place metatarsal pads into your current uncomfortable and ineffective over-the-counter orthotics.

Can Custom Orthotics Fix Metatarsalgia

Custom orthotics can be an effective in fixing Metatarsalgia.  In order to be effective, they must fit into your shoes, be comfortable and have a metatarsal pad as part of the custom orthotic design.  Proper height, size, density and location of the metatarsal pad is critical to it being effective.  If you have custom orthotics that are uncomfortable, do not fit into your shoes or aggravate your metatarsal region you will be unable to heal. If you have an uncomfortable or ineffective pair of custom orthotics either without a metatarsal pad or with an uncomfortable metatarsal pad they may be able to be modified for a fraction of the cost off new custom orthotics. San Diego Running Institute charges $167 to modify your existing orthotics and make them both comfortable and effective.  Custom orthotics are the fifth step in how to fix Metatarsalgia.