Metatarsalgia describes localized pain on the ball of the foot in the area just before the toes. People who participate in activities that involve running, jumping or other intense training are most commonly affected. Foot pathologies that alter the alignment of metatarsals such as hammertoes and bunions can cause metatarsalgia as well as wearing ill-fitting shoes.
In diagnosing metatarsalgia, other foot problems like fractures, neuromas, arthritis and bursitis need to be considered, as they often present with similar symptoms.
In rare cases when conservative measures don't relieve your pain, and if metatarsalgia is complicated by other foot conditions like hammertoes and bunions, surgery to realign the metatarsal bones may be needed.