In this article, you will find out everything you need to know about Metatarsal Bursitis and the most effective ways to treat it, including an advanced treatment called Prolotherapy.
Struggling with pain in the ball of your foot could point towards metatarsal bursitis – an inflammation of the bursae near your metatarsal bones. This guide will help you identify symptoms, understand potential causes, and explore the most effective treatments, from lifestyle adjustments to advanced regenerative therapies like Prolotherapy.
Table of Contents
- Key Takeaways
- Exploring the Basics of Metatarsal Bursitis
- Identifying the Symptoms of Metatarsal Bursitis
- The Common Causes Behind Metatarsal Bursitis
- Diagnosis
- Treatment Options
- When Surgery Is Considered
- Preventing Metatarsal Bursitis Recurrence
- Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Contact ProHealth Clinic
- Author Bio
- References
Key Takeaways
- Metatarsal Bursitis is the inflammation of fluid-filled sacs under the ball of the foot, often confused with Morton’s neuroma or plantar fasciitis.
- Symptoms include pain, swelling, tenderness, and a sensation of walking on a pebble.
- Diagnosis typically involves medical history, physical exam, and imaging tests.
- Treatment starts conservatively with footwear changes, orthotics, physiotherapy, and may progress to injections or surgery if necessary.
Exploring the Basics of Metatarsal Bursitis
Metatarsal bursitis occurs when the small fluid-filled sacs (bursae) under the ball of your foot become inflamed. These sacs cushion your bones, tendons, and ligaments, helping reduce friction during walking. Inflammation causes pain, swelling, and pressure on nearby nerves, often mimicking conditions such as Morton’s neuroma or plantar fasciitis.
Identifying the Symptoms of Metatarsal Bursitis
- Pain in the ball of the foot, worsening with pressure or walking.
- Swelling and tenderness in the forefoot.
- A sensation of stepping on a pebble.
- Burning, tingling, or reduced sensation between toes.
The Common Causes Behind Metatarsal Bursitis
Factors contributing to Metatarsal Bursitis include:
- Poor footwear (high heels, narrow shoes).
- Repetitive stress from running, jumping, or standing long hours.
- Foot structure issues (flat feet, bunions, hammer toes, overpronation).
- Underlying conditions such as gout or arthritis.
Diagnosis
Doctors typically perform a physical exam, review medical history, and may order imaging tests such as X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI. In some cases, fluid aspiration is done to rule out infection or gout.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Relief
Treatment usually starts conservatively and may include activity modification, orthotics, footwear changes, physiotherapy, and injections.
The Role of Cortisone Injections
Cortisone injections can reduce inflammation and provide temporary pain relief, often used when conservative methods fail. However, they are not a long-term cure.
Custom Orthotics and Proper Footwear
Custom orthotics and supportive shoes with a wide toe box help distribute pressure evenly and reduce stress on the ball of the foot.
Physical Therapy and Exercise
Strengthening and stretching exercises improve flexibility, balance, and reduce recurrence. Warm-up routines before physical activity also help prevent flare-ups.
Prolotherapy
In recent years, Prolotherapy has gained recognition for its effectiveness in treating Metatarsal Bursitis. Research shows it offers pain relief, anti-inflammatory, and regenerative benefits. The procedure involves injecting a natural regenerative solution that stimulates collagen production and strengthens surrounding tissues. Unlike temporary fixes, Prolotherapy addresses the root cause, offering long-term relief and reducing recurrence rates.
When Surgery Is Considered
If symptoms persist after 6–12 months of conservative treatments, surgery may be considered. This typically involves removing the inflamed bursa or decompressing the affected nerve. Recovery often takes 6–12 weeks, with gradual return to normal footwear.
Preventing Metatarsal Bursitis Recurrence
- Maintain a healthy body weight to reduce foot stress.
- Wear cushioned, supportive footwear with a wide toe box.
- Avoid prolonged standing on hard or uneven surfaces.
- Incorporate stretching and strengthening exercises into your routine.
Summary
Metatarsal Bursitis is a painful yet manageable condition. From conservative treatments such as footwear changes and physical therapy, to advanced regenerative solutions like Prolotherapy, patients have multiple pathways to recovery. Preventive measures such as supportive footwear and lifestyle adjustments are key in avoiding recurrence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a metatarsal?
The metatarsals are long bones in the midfoot, connecting the toes to the ankle and playing a key role in balance and walking.
What causes intermetatarsal bursitis?
It is commonly caused by compression of the bursae, often worsened by tight or ill-fitting shoes.
What are the symptoms of bursitis in the foot?
Symptoms include swelling, tenderness, warmth, redness, pain on movement, and difficulty bearing weight.
How long does metatarsal bursitis take to heal?
Mild cases resolve in 2–6 weeks with rest and conservative care. Chronic cases may require advanced treatments.
How do you fix metatarsal bursitis?
Effective treatments include footwear changes, orthotics, activity modification, physiotherapy, cortisone injections, and regenerative therapies like Prolotherapy.
Contact ProHealth Clinic Today for Your FREE 15-Minute Discovery Call
Don’t let Metatarsal Bursitis control your life any longer. Join the thousands of patients who have found lasting relief through prolotherapy at ProHealth Clinic.
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Phone: +441234380345
Email: info@prohealthclinic.co.uk
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All clinics offer the same award-winning prolotherapy treatment with convenient appointment times, including evenings and weekends.
Author Bio
Having performed over 10,000 procedures, Mr Oliver Eaton is one of the UK’s leading practitioners in the field of treating Metatarsal Bursitis, with patients travelling from across the UK, Europe, and the Middle East. With over 12 years of clinical experience, Oliver is dedicated to helping patients understand their symptoms and providing effective treatments. He trained in Prolozone Therapy and Prolotherapy with the American Academy of Ozonotherapy, and furthered his expertise at the Royal Society of Medicine, Charing Cross Hospital (London), Keele University, and Heidelberg University (Germany). He has treated elite athletes, including Olympic and Commonwealth medallists.
LinkedIn: Oliver Eaton
References
- Radwan YA, Mansour AM. “Metatarsalgia: pathophysiology and management.” World J Orthop. 2014.
- Kitaoka HB. “Bursitis of the foot and ankle.” J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2001.
- Hauser RA, et al. “A Systematic Review of Prolotherapy for Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain.” Clin Med Insights Arthritis Musculoskelet Disord. 2016.
- ProHealth Clinic. “Suprapatellar Bursitis Treatment.” 2024. Read more