Painful foot condition sounds like metatarsalgia

From the details supplied it sounds as if you have an ill-defined inflammatory condition called metatarsalgia – an inflammation in the muscles and ligaments that form the sole of your foot. It is usually said that it feels as if you are ‘walking on pebbles.’

Metatarsalgia should be understood as a symptom rather than a diagnosis – and it is, therefore, a diagnostic challenge. It is mostly felt as soon as you stand, take weight and try to walk, being at its best when you are not weight bearing. This condition is one of the commonest orthopaedic complaints.

There are three main causes, of which the first is the most frequent: a dropped transverse (width) arch, a possible stress fracture of a long bone of the foot and an inflammation of nerves of the foot. In people under 50 years of age, worthwhile improvement can usually be gained by prolonged physiotherapy, which strengthens weakened muscles.

Sometimes repeated steroid injections help, and sponge-type supports, which help to keep the foot shape, can also work. If you are overweight, this can make the condition worse. Very few people ever need an operation.