Pain in the Ball of the Foot Treatment in Miami, Surfside, FL

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What Is Metatarsalgia? Banner

What Is Metatarsalgia?

Metatarsalgia is a condition characterized by pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot. It occurs when the metatarsal bones (five long bones in the middle of the foot) become misaligned or when too much pressure is placed on the midfoot while walking or standing. The pain is typically felt in the area just before the toes, where they connect to metatarsal bones. This condition can develop gradually over time or appear suddenly after increased activity.

Metatarsalgia Symptoms

Pain in the ball of the foot can manifest in different ways, depending on the underlying cause. The most common symptoms include:
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What Causes Pain in the Ball of the Foot?

What Causes Pain in the Ball of the Foot? Banner

In osteoarthritis, the cartilage within the joints breaks down over time due to wear and tear, causing the bones to rub directly against each other. This leads to swelling, stiffness, and pain. Osteoarthritis may affect the joints at the ball of the foot, resulting in a sharp pain or burning sensation in this area that makes standing or walking very difficult.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic joint inflammation. It can affect the small joints of the forefoot, especially the ones connecting metatarsal bones with the toes. As they become swollen, stiff, and damaged, standing and walking places extra pressure on the ball of the foot, leading to a burning or stabbing pain in that area. Unlike osteoarthritis, which is caused by mechanical wear and tear, rheumatoid arthritis is triggered by the body’s immune system attacking the joint linings.

Morton’s neuroma is a non-cancerous growth of nerve tissue that develops between the toes (most commonly between the third and fourth toes). As a result, the nerve thickens and causes foot pain. Activities that compress the nerve, such as wearing high heels or pointed shoes, can exacerbate the aches caused by Morton’s neuroma. We offer many treatment options for this condition, ranging from orthotics to surgery.

Foot deformities may contribute to metatarsalgia. Hammertoes cause an imbalance and excessive pressure on the ball due to the curled toe pushing down into the sole. Bunions, which are bony protrusions at the base of the big toe, force the weight bearing of the foot inward instead of straight down, overloading the ball. High arches lack shock absorption, placing more stress on the metatarsals and ball during activity. While different in nature, all of these foot deformities change biomechanics, concentrating too much load and pressure onto the ball and causing inflammation and pain.

When people gain excess weight, the metatarsal bones experience repeated stress that may lead to tiny cracks and fractures. These microtraumas can cause inflammation and pain at the ball of the foot while walking or standing. Managing weight is important to avoid overloading the metatarsals and risking painful stress fractures.

Increasing physical activity levels too quickly may also lead to pain in the ball of the foot. When people rapidly intensify their running, jumping, or sports training, the metatarsal bones endure repeated stress. This can result in small fractures or bone inflammation. These overloaded bones then become the source of pain and tenderness at the ball of the foot, especially with athletic activities that involve pushing off the toes. Gradually building up physical activity levels allows the metatarsal bones to adapt and avoids overstressing them to the point of irritation or microfracture.

Wearing shoes with inadequate support may lead to pain in the ball of the foot over time. Shoes that are too flat or flexible fail to stabilize the foot properly and absorb shock, placing excessive pressure on the metatarsal bones. This concentrated force may inflame tissue, pinch nerves, and cause burning or sharp pain under the toes. Proper footwear with adequate arch and metatarsal support helps to align the foot structure and distribute weight evenly across the entire sole, preventing excess strain that causes irritation in the metatarsal area.

Treatments for Pain in the Ball of the Foot

Custom Orthotics

Orthotics can be an effective treatment option for metatarsalgia. Custom-made inserts fit inside the shoe to support the foot’s arch and distribute weight away from the ball, relieving pressure on the metatarsal bones. With these body-weight transfers, orthotics ease pain and inflammation. They provide targeted support by being uniquely crafted for the individual patient’s foot anatomy. Prescribed by Dr. Curson, these customized inserts help to restore comfort and improve function for people suffering from metatarsalgia.

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Metatarsal pads are worn inside the shoe. They redistribute pressure away from the ball of the foot to relieve pain and inflammation. Made of soft materials, pads cushion the metatarsal area, helping to absorb shock. They provide comfort while walking and standing. Metatarsal pads are often used in combination with custom orthotics.
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MLS laser therapy is showing promise as an effective procedure for relieving the pain associated with metatarsalgia. This non-invasive treatment uses specific wavelengths that target inflammation and stimulate cell regeneration, helping to accelerate the body’s natural healing processes. Our practice and academic research indicate that a course of MLS laser therapy sessions can significantly reduce metatarsalgia pain and discomfort without any significant side effects.
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Soundwave therapy uses focused acoustic pulses to treat inflammation and pain associated with metatarsalgia. This procedure sends shockwaves to the affected area of the foot, stimulating healing responses in the soft tissue and joints. Soundwave treatment is well-suited for metatarsalgia as it effectively reduces inflammation and eases neuropathic pain in the foot. The therapy promotes natural regeneration without adverse effects.
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PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injections can be an effective treatment option for metatarsalgia. PRP contains concentrated growth factors (blood proteins) that reduce inflammation and promote healing of the affected tissues. The injection introduces PRP directly into the area of pain and damage in the foot, allowing the growth factors to work at the site where they are needed. PRP injections are minimally invasive and do not require surgery.
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Surgical procedures, like metatarsal osteotomy or metatarsal head resection, can reshape and realign the bones to relieve pressure and pain in the ball of the foot. These operations aim to restore stability and proper mechanics, removing tissue causing irritation. By directly addressing anatomical deformities, surgery provides long-lasting pain relief.
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Candidates for Metatarsalgia Treatment Banner

Candidates for Metatarsalgia Treatment

Metatarsalgia affects many groups of people. However, the most common candidates include:

Benefits of Treating Severe Pain in the Ball of the Foot

Treating metatarsalgia is important for managing symptoms and improving quality of life. At Miami Feet, we provide a wide range of therapies that:
Benefits of Treating Severe Pain in the Ball of the Foot Banner

Cost of Metatarsalgia Treatment in Miami, FL

The cost of metatarsalgia treatment in Miami, FL, ranges from $100 to $5,000. Factors like the severity of the condition, the types of therapies provided, and additional complications can greatly impact the final price. Mild cases treated with conservative options, like orthotics, physical therapy, or anti-inflammatory medications, typically fall on the lower end of the range. Surgery to release contracted metatarsal bones or reposition toe joints may cost between $2,000 and $7,000, including facility fees, anesthesia, and follow-up appointments.
Patients can learn about our pricing options during a consultation with Dr. Curson. Most insurance plans cover at least part of medically necessary foot surgeries and services. Uninsured patients can use flexible financing to offset expenses. Managing metatarsalgia early on with orthotics and other therapies helps to avoid surgeries down the road.
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Gary Curson Is a Top Expert in Treating Foot Pain

Patients with metatarsalgia can find dedicated care and innovative treatment solutions at Miami Feet. With over 40 years of podiatry experience, Dr. Gary Curson is a renowned specialist in lower extremity conditions. We stay at the forefront of advances in medicine to implement cutting-edge technologies and make sure that patients receive the best care available today. Our treatment plans aim to promote long-term health and prevent the recurrence of symptoms. Overall, Miami Feet is the top destination for treating food and ankle conditions. Dr. Curson’s expertise and commitment to quality lead to excellent results and help patients return to their active lifestyles.

Our Happy Patients

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Sprained Ankle
There are doctors who talk and those who help you walk again pain free. Doctor Curson is among the latter breed. I limped in with a sprained ankle approaching the size of a grapefruit and in pain. An hour later, I was walking normally having had X-rays, a shot, and a laser treatment. If you are in the Bal Harbour, Surfside or Bay Harbor area, don't bother with anyone else. The entire staff is efficient and dedicated. He followed up with me as well. Caroljean Kier
Caroljean K.
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Planter Faciatis
Dr. Curson offers a full array of noninvasive treatments for Achilles strains and Planter Faciatis. After 3 months of care with another podiatrist I experienced pain without improvement. I went to Dr. Curson. The results have been excellent. The office staff is friendly, responsive, and competent.
Steve S.
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Foot Pain
My experience with Dr. Curson and his staff was excellent. I've been dealing with foot pain for over 6 months and after implementing his treatments my pain has decreased significantly. He fitted me for custom made orthotics (shoe inserts) and after a week of wearing them the pain in my left foot is practically gone. As I wear them more I'm confident I will be able to take long walks again. Without hesitation I recommend Dr. Curson if you have foot issues or pain.
Henny R.
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Laser treatment for ankle sprain
Amazing doctor and amazing staff, very friendly and they take the time to know your history and seek the best treatment possible for your specific case. I decided to give them my full confidence for a chronic ankle sprain that just wouldn't go away. The laser treatment was really helpful and they did a set of custom orthotics that are really much better than the off-the-shelf stuff and others I had made before.
Peggy P.
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Laser treatment for nail fungus
Amazing experience with Dr. Curson and his office staff. I had 2 issues, pain in my foot from stepping on an object that seemed to be lodged in there somewhere, AND, terrible nail fungus from years and years of cycling and running. Dr. Curson dislodged the object in my foot and treated the nail fungus with a special laser. After the first treatment it was more that 50% better, i can't wait for the 2nd one, I can feel the difference in my nails. Fantastic office and staff and doctor... go see him!
Michael Eisenstadt
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Foot pain
My experience with Dr. Curson and his staff was excellent. I've been dealing with foot pain for over 6 months and after implementing his treatments my pain has decreased significantly. He fitted me for custom made orthotics (shoe inserts) and after a week of wearing them the pain in my left foot is practically gone. As I wear them more I'm confident I will be able to take long walks again. Without hesitation I recommend Dr. Curson if you have foot issues or pain.
Henny Rojas
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