Metatarsalgia – Splayfoot

Metatarsalgia describes pain along the long bones of the forefoot (metatarsal bones) and the ball of the foot where the toes meet the rest of the foot. One of the reasons for metatarsalgia  is the widening of forefoot and thus lowering of the forefoot arch (splayfoot). Thus pressure distribution along the ball of the foot is not even, creating zones of overpressure leading to pain and callosities on the ball of the foot when walking. In cases of long lasting metatarsalgia and splay foot the toes can dislocate out of their joints resulting in hammertoe or clawtoe deformities.

One of the main reasons for the development of a splay foot and thus metatarsalgia is wearing shoes with high heels and a narrow toe box. Wearing shoes with high heels causes zones of high pressure on the ball of the foot. Another reason can be a hallux valgus deformity leading to uneven pressure distribution along the forefoot. Splayfoot itself probably has a genetic factor as well. On occasion, metatarsalgia is caused by a stress fracture / bone edema of one of the metatarsal bones.

Once the exact cause is pinpointed individualized therapy can be applied to your needs. Most often an insole will be customized to your foot by one of my partners (either bedding or podologic). Additionally physiotherapy is a perfect option to train your foot and alleviate the pain.

If non-surgical treatment is not successful there is a surgical option where the involved bone is slightly shortened and raised. This surgery can also be done in a minimally invasive technique using very short skin incisions. The surgery can be done perfectly in local anesthesia.

After surgery I will apply  a special dressing to your foot for four weeks. You will wear a special shoe during this time with allowed weight bearing.