Good news. The pain you feel in the ball of your foot is treatable. At Parkway Podiatry in Brooklyn, New York, Gary Saphire, DPM, offers accurate metatarsalgia diagnosis and a broad range of treatments to relieve the pain and discomfort you feel. If you live in or near the Bensonhurst or Gravesend neighborhoods, get relief for the ball of your foot by calling his office, or scheduling your appointment online.
Your metatarsus is the part of your foot that lies between your ankle and your toes. Within your metatarsus are five bones called metatarsals that connect to the base of your toes. Metatasalgia is a condition that affects your metatarsus and the area surrounding your metatarsals. Specifically, it causes pain in the ball of your foot.
Metatarsalgia can affect anyone, but it’s common in people whose feet regularly take impact, including runners and other athletes. Certain foot shapes, like high arches or a longer second toe, increase your risk for metatarsalgia, as do conditions like arthritis, bunions, and hammertoes. Obesity and regularly wearing poorly fitting shoes also heighten your risk of experiencing metatarsalgia.
Most people get a metatarsalgia diagnosis after visiting a doctor because they feel pain or discomfort in the ball of their foot. Specific symptoms include:
Yes. In most cases, conservative treatments are highly effective at relieving your pain. Dr. Saphire talks with you about the specific symptoms you experience, then personalizes a treatment program for you.
Some of the treatments he most commonly uses include custom orthotics to relieve pressure on the metatarsals, ensuring shoes fit properly, and recommending rest and ice at home. These simple changes can dramatically reduce — and even completely eliminate — the pain in the ball of your foot.
In some cases, more involved treatments, including surgery, may be needed to realign your metatarsals and relieve your pain. Dr. Saphire talks with you about your treatment options so you can choose the right one for your feet and your lifestyle goals. If you do choose surgery, you can rest easy knowing Dr. Saphire is an extremely experienced podiatric surgeon.
Don’t let pain in the ball of your foot limit you. Get the metatarsalgia treatment you need by calling Parkway Podiatry, or booking your appointment online today.
