Metatarsalgia is a painful foot condition affection the ball and arch (metatarsal) area of the foot. It is a common overuse injury. The primary symptom of metatarsalgia is diffuse pain in the forefoot and midfoot. The pain is typically aggravated by walking or running.
Risk factors of metatarsalgia include:
- High level of activity
- Hammertoe deformity
- Tight Achilles tendon
- Excessive pronation
- Equinus deformity
- High arches
- Morton toe