Metatarsalgia: I’m Having Burning Foot Pain!

What is metatarsalgia? Metatarsalgia is a general term used to describe pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot. Particularly, this is pain around the metatarsal heads—the bones just before your toes. While it’s not necessarily a condition in itself, it signals an underlying problem in foot structure, biomechanics, or lifestyle. The pain feels like or is often described as: A sharp, burning, or aching sensation in the front part of your foot The feeling of walking on a pebble Numbness or tingling in the toes What causes this foot pain? Metatarsalgia can develop from a variety of factors, including: 1. Overuse and high-impact activities Runners, jumpers, and dancers often put repetitive stress on the forefoot. Ultimately, the large forces going through the area can affect the tissues leading to inflammation and pain 2. Improper footwear Wearing high heels or tight shoes can shift your body weight forward onto…