By: Dr. Brent Bowden
Published: October 18, 2009
What is Metatarsalgia?
When there is pain the ball of the foot area, the condition is called metatarsalgia. There are two arches in the foot. One goes from the ball to the heel and is called the long longitudinal arch. The other arch goes from the small toe to the big toe at the ball of the foot level. When the metatarsal arch collapses, pain occurs in the forefoot area. If the problem worsens, a neuroma forms.
|
Mortons Neuroma |
|
A neuroma occurs when a nerve becomes enlarged due to irritation in the nerve location. Mortons Neuroma is the neurmona that occurs most commonly. It is located in the area at the ball of the foot, between the 3rd and 4th toes. When a neuroma occurs in this area, pain is sent up into the toes as well as into the ball of the foot. The 3rd and 4th toes sometimes will even become numb. Custom orthotics can alleviate this problem. A metatarsal arch can be added. A metatarsal arch is a triangular raise that is placed behind the ball of the foot on the custom orthotic. A metatarsal arch supports the arch of the foot, allows slight spreading of the metatarsal heads, and reduces the irritation caused due to pinching on the nerve. An effective treatment for metatarsalgia is a custom orthotic containing a metatarsal raise.
|
Pronation |
|
Pronation is what is commonly referred to as a flat foot. The long arch of the foot collapses and the foot elongates. This bio-mechanical problem can cause pain in the foot, and further up the leg. When this pronation occurs it causes a rotation in the lower bones of the leg. This can be a factor in other problems. This flattening of the foot will cause pain in the arch which becomes worse the longer you are on your feet. It can cause many other problems, such as shin splints and achilles tendonitis.
|
Supination |
|
Supination is related with someone with a high arch foot. It is also related with plantar fasciitis. When a person supinates, they shoes are run over to the outside. An added wedge to custom orthotics can help with those who supinate. The wedge will balance the outside area of the foot while at the same time supporting the inside portion of the foot. Those who supinate can see their shoes worn out on the outside portion. Custom orthotics can be a useful remedy for supination.
|
|
Dr. Olga Garcia Luepschen and the Gentle Foot Care Center are located at 2 Ryant Blvd (on US 27). For further information call 863-314-9255 or www.gentlefootcarecenter.com
Gentle Foot Care Center 