Treating Metatarsalgia

In most cases, wearing low-heeled, well-cushioned shoes and filing down the callus will relieve the pain. If these 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.

Wearing 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 the foot and the toes.

Using a Metatarsal Pad

Put a metatarsal pad in the 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

• Soak your foot in warm water for a few minutes.

• Dry the foot.

• Then gently rub the callus with a pumice stone or nail file to remove the hard skin.