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Metatarsalgia Treatment in Glen Iris

Expert podiatry for metatarsalgia and ball of foot pain — in-clinic and in-home across Glen Iris.

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Suffering From Metatarsalgia in Glen Iris?

Metatarsalgia is not a specific disease but rather a symptom of other conditions that cause pain in the ball of the foot. It is characterized by pain and inflammation in the metatarsal region, the area just before your toes. The five metatarsal bones run from the middle of your foot to your toes, and when excessive pressure or stress is placed on the heads of these bones, it can lead to irritation and pain. This condition can develop suddenly or gradually over time, and its intensity can range from a mild ache to a sharp, burning sensation.

Common Symptoms & Causes Of Metatarsalgia

  • Pain in the ball of your foot: This is the hallmark symptom, often described as sharp, aching, or burning. The pain typically worsens with activities that put pressure on the forefoot, such as standing, walking, running, or jumping [1, 2].
  • Pain that worsens when standing, walking, or exercising: Activities that involve repetitive impact or pressure on the metatarsal heads tend to exacerbate the discomfort [1].
  • Pain that improves when resting: Resting the foot often provides temporary relief from the symptoms.
  • Numbness or tingling in your toes: This can occur if nerve compression is present alongside the metatarsalgia [1, 2].
  • Feeling like you have a pebble in your shoe: Many individuals describe a sensation of walking on a stone or having a foreign object lodged in their shoe [1, 2].
  • Increased pain when walking barefoot: The lack of cushioning and support can intensify the pressure on the metatarsal heads.

Our Metatarsalgia Treatment Approach

Every patient is different. We start with a thorough assessment to understand exactly what’s causing your pain — then build a personalised treatment plan around your goals, lifestyle, and timeline.

  • Load Management: Structured activity modification to reduce forefoot pressure and allow healing.
  • Custom Orthotic Prescription: Bespoke orthotics with metatarsal padding to offload the ball of the foot.
  • Footwear Assessment: Expert footwear advice to reduce forefoot loading and provide adequate cushioning.
  • Stretching & Strengthening: Targeted toe flexor and intrinsic foot strengthening exercises.
  • Taping & Padding: Metatarsal padding and taping to provide immediate pain relief.
  • Shockwave Therapy: Shockwave therapy for chronic metatarsalgia unresponsive to conservative care.

In-Clinic & In-Home Available

We treat patients both at our Glen Iris clinic and in the comfort of your own home — ideal for patients who find it difficult to travel.

NDIS Participants Welcome — We work with self-managed and plan-managed NDIS participants. Contact us to discuss your funding options.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Metatarsalgia is a common foot condition characterized by pain and inflammation in the ball of your foot, specifically in the area of the metatarsal heads. It often feels like walking on pebbles or having a bruise under the foot.
It’s typically caused by excessive pressure on the metatarsal heads, often due to ill-fitting footwear, high-impact activities, foot deformities like bunions or hammer toes, or changes in foot biomechanics. Our detailed gait analysis helps pinpoint the exact cause.
Our diagnosis involves a comprehensive clinical assessment, including a detailed history, physical examination, and advanced video gait analysis with force plate integration. This allows us to accurately identify the underlying biomechanical factors contributing to your pain.
Absolutely. Custom orthotics are a cornerstone of our treatment for Metatarsalgia. They are precisely designed to redistribute pressure away from the painful metatarsal heads, providing immediate relief and correcting biomechanical imbalances to prevent recurrence.

Ready to Get Started?

Book an appointment for metatarsalgia treatment at our Glen Iris clinic today.

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Or call us: (03) 9999 7271