As the name implies, 'metatarsalgia' is usually a painful foot condition that occurs due to sprain or pressure in the area between the arch and the toes of the foot. The pain usually occurs in the mid-foot area, where the five metatarsal bones are; hence the nomenclature.
Metatarsalgia is mainly due to obesity and overweight conditions which make for an enormous amount of pressure in the mid-foot region. It could also be due to an external injury to the foot that involves inflammation of the metatarsal joints. Such injuries may be caused by sports, accidents, over-exercising, improper footwear and walking on hard surfaces. Arthritis is another reason for this foot problem. Prolonged metatarsalgia can lead to callus formation on the underside of your feet.
Natural Treatment
The first and foremost treatment to cure this problem is to maintain an ideal body weight so that excessive pressure is not exerted on the mid-section and heel area of your feet. In addition, you should select a good shoe with excellent and sturdy heel support. Thirdly, you can soak your feet in warm herbal footbaths and massage your feet with essential oils for fast relief of pain.
This is natural-care information for general guidance only — it is not medical advice. For severe, worsening, or diabetic foot problems, please see a doctor.
