Treating Metatarsalgia
Metatarsalgia is pain in the "ball of your foot," the area between your arch and your toes. The pain usually starts in one or more of the five bones in this area under the toes (these bones are called the metatarsals); often when a callus builds up in this area.In most cases, wearing low-heeled, well-cushioned shoes and filing down the callus will relieve the pain. If these steps don’t work, your doctor may suggest surgery to remove part of the bone. To take pressure off the ball of your foot and relieve the pain, your doctor may suggest that you do one or more of the following.
Wear Shoes with Padded Soles
Wear shoes with thick padding in the soles. Keep heels low, and make sure the shoe is wide across the ball of your foot and your toes.
Using a Metatarsal Pad
Put a metatarsal pad in your shoe. This lifts and takes pressure off the painful area. To insert the pad:
Put a small lipstick mark on the callus.
Step into the shoe to leave a mark on the insole.
Peel the backing off the pad. Then put the pad in the shoe just behind the lipstick mark.
Inserts with built-in metatarsal pads may also be available.
Filing the Callus