BUNIONS & PAIN IN THE BALL OF THE FOOT (METATARSALGIA)  

Bunions 

Bunions can be caused by the big toe pushing over on to the second, causing crossover of the toes, which makes it difficult to walk due to pressure on the toes from footwear. Once the big toe leans toward the second toe, the tendons no longer pull the toe in a straight line, so the problem tends to get progressively worse. They are most often caused by a defective mechanical structure of the foot, which is genetic, and these certain foot types make a person prone to development of a bunion. Poorly fitting footwear tends to aggravate the problem as tight or narrow footwear can squeeze the forefoot, crowding the toes together and exacerbate the underlying condition, causing pain and deformity of the joint. During a biomechanical assessment [book here] we can assess the cause and develop a treatment plan to reduce pain and slow down the progression of the bunion. 
 

Morton's Neuroma 

A Morton’s Neuroma is a thickening of the nerve that runs between the metatarsal bones in the foot. It is often caused by excessive mobility in the forefoot aggravating the nerve and causing it to thicken. The pain is described as a burning pain that can shoot into the toes and it is most common between the 3rd and 4th metatarsals. It can be easily diagnosed by a podiatrist and we offer a range of treatments at Stride Clinic depending on the cause and severity. If you haven’t been to us before you will need an Initial Consultation [click here to book] where we will discuss the treatment option, most suitable for you. 

Fatty Pad Atrophy 

As we get older, we lose the fatty pad in the ball and heel of our feet. This can cause corns and callus where we have never had them previously and a sensation of walking on stones as our bones press on the skin. This can be at best painful and at worse cause pressure sores without our protective fatty pad. Luckily, at Stride Clinic, we have a lot of advice and treatments from padding to Dermal Fillers. If you haven’t been to us before you will need an Initial Consultation [click here to book] where we will discuss the treatment option, most suitable for you. 

Other Causes of Forefoot Pain 

There are many other causes of forefoot pain from a plantar plate tear to a fractured metatarsal head, a Bursitis to Gout. Like most problems the trick to solving it is to diagnose the cause, this may be done in your initial consultation or you may need a biomechanical assessment to delve deeper [click here to book]. 
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