Please be advised that our office will remain open despite concern for COVID-19. We are taking precautions to protect our staff and patients, and ask that you notify us if you are not feeling well prior to coming to your appointment. There are some cases where we may advise you to keep your appointment despite feeling unwell. We will update this message if there are any changes.

Eureka Office - 3258 Timber Fall Court, Eureka, CA 95503, (707) 441-1112 (Main Office)

Arcata Office - 3798 Janes Rd. Suite 6, Arcata, CA 95521, 707-441-1112 (Satellite office used by Dr. Miller on Friday's only. Please contact the Eureka office for all inquiries.)

Wound Care Clinic - 3800 Janes Rd., Arcata, CA 95521 707-825-4930 (Dr. Alway and Dr. Miller practice at the Wound Care Clinic on Thursdays' and Fridays')

Call Today

707-441-1112

Metatarsalgia

Our team of specialists and staff believe that informed patients are better equipped to make decisions regarding their health and well being. For your personal use, we have created an extensive patient library covering an array of educational topics. Browse through these diagnoses and treatments to learn more about topics of interest to you. Or, for a more comprehensive search of our entire Web site, enter your term(s) in the search bar provided.

As always, you can contact our office to answer any questions or concerns.

Pain in the area between the arch and toes, or ball of the foot, is generally called metatarsalgia. The pain usually centers on one or more of the five bones (metatarsals) in this mid-portion of the foot. Also known as dropped metatarsal heads, metatarsalgia can cause abnormal weight distribution due to overpronation.

Metatarsalgia occurs when one of the metatarsal joints becomes painful or inflamed. People often develop a callus under the affected joint. Metatarsalgia also can be caused by arthritis, foot injury (from sports, a car accident, or repeated stress), hard surfaces (cement or tile floors), and specific footwear (rigid-soled work boots).

A simple change of shoes may solve the problem. In more severe cases, custom orthotics may be prescribed to alleviate the pain and prevent overpronation.