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For Your Information
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What Is Metatarsalgia?
Metatarsalgia, literally, pain in the metatarsal, is a condition caused by joint inflammation where the toes meet the ball of the foot, with discomfort predominantly on the bottom of the foot.
Primary causes are poor foot function and excessive stress on the forefoot. Jogging on hard surfaces, or shoes that put pressure on the ball of the foot may influence this condition. Orthotic inlays, anti-inflammatory medicine and relief of undue stress from activity or footwear are forms of treatment.
 A foot ailment often confused with metatarsalgia is neuroma, a condition that involves the nerves between the metatarsals. As a result of poor foot function, the joints grind on the nerves. This pressure and irritation often leads to inflammation and a sharp burning or stabbing pain. Since entrapment of the nerve isn't constant, the pain may subside or cease periodically. However, the condition requires medical evaluation, and treatment may include ultra-sound, anti-inflammatory medicine, cortisone injection, orthotics, and, in some cases, surgery to remove nerve segments.
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Nature of the Work
Americans spend a great deal of time on their feet. As the Nation becomes more active across all age groups, the need for foot care will become increasingly important to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
The human foot is a complex structure. It contains 26 bones- plus muscles, nerves, ligaments, and blood vessels- and is designed for balance and mobility. The 52 bones in your feet make up about one-fourth of all bones in your body. Podiatrists, also known as doctors of podiatric medicine (DPMs), diagnose and treat disorders, diseases, and injuries of the foot and lower leg to keep this part of the body working properly.
Podiatrists treat corns, calluses, ingrown toenails, bunions, heel spurs and arch problems; ankle and foot injuries, deformities and infections; and foot complaints associated with diseases such as diabetes. To treat these problems, podiatrists prescribe drugs, order physical therapy, set fractures, and perform surgery. They also fit corrective inserts called orthotics, design plaster castes and strappings to correct deformities, and design custom-made shoes. Podiatrists may use a force plate to help design orthotics. Patients walk across a plate connected to a computer that "reads" the patients' feet, picking up pressure points and weight distribution. From the computer readout, podiatrists order the correct design or recommend treatment.
To diagnose a foot problem, podiatrists may also order x-rays and laboratory tests. The foot may be the first area to show signs of serious conditions such as arthritis, diabetes and heart disease. For example, diabetics are prone to foot ulcers and infections due to poor circulation. Podiatrists consult with and refer patients to other health practitioners when they detect symptoms of these disorders. |
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