4 Reasons Athletes Get Metatarsalgia

If you're an athlete and you've got that burning, aching, or sharp pain right under the ball of your foot, you've likely just met metatarsalgia. We at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists treat athletes with sports-related foot problems all the time, but with metatarsalgia, it could be difficult pinning down the exact cause. There are many, so let’s go over them.

The Impact

If you play a high-impact sport like running or basketball, your foot metatarsals can start to hurt. Runners (especially sprinters or those who land heavily on their forefoot) and dancers often find themselves in this club.

It’s like pounding your hand on a hard surface over and over. Eventually, something gets inflamed and painful. Worn-out athletic shoes that have lost their cushioning make this problem even worse.

Which reminds us…

Gear-Related Metatarsalgia

When the cleats or court sneakers aren’t quite right, they can cause metatarsalgia.

Cleats, cycling shoes, or even some running shoes might be too narrow in the toe box, which squeezes your forefoot bones and puts pressure on your nerves and joints.

Or, they might lack padding in the forefoot, which could leave your metatarsals exposed to excessive impact.

Foot Mechanics and Metatarsalgia

Your unique foot structure and how it moves under pressure play a huge role.

• High Arches: If you have a high, rigid arch, you might feel it sometimes during practice or a game. Your running force is concentrated on your toes and heel. The middle of the foot is raised, which means it’s not helping your body absorb that impact.
• Flat Feet: While often associated with arch and heel pain, flat feet can also indirectly contribute to metatarsalgia by changing the angle and pressure distribution in the forefoot during push-off.
• Longer Metatarsals: Some people simply have one or more metatarsal bones that are longer than the others. This makes that particular bone take more impact with every step and makes it a prime target for pain.

Sudden Spikes in Training

Going from zero to hero too fast is a classic setup for metatarsalgia. A sudden increase in training intensity, mileage, or a new type of activity can overwhelm the foot's structures before they've had a chance to adapt.

Podiatrists and Metatarsalgia Relief

If you're feeling that tell-tale burn in the ball of your foot, don't just power through it. Get it checked out by a podiatrist. We can help identify the exact cause and get you back to peak performance without the pain.

For any podiatric concerns you’re dealing with, come see Dr. Hubert Lee and the team at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists for guidance and advice. You can schedule an appointment online or call today at 425-455-0936.