Pain - The Ball of the Foot
Updated: 2 days ago
The ball of the foot is where the toes join onto the foot, pain here can be called metatarsalgia (metatarsal- = the bone; -algia = pain).
Pain in this area is really common and it can be due to a wide variety of issues. It may feel sharp, aching or burning, and often worsens when walking, running or sometimes even just be standing.
Why it happens
Pain on the ball of your foot usually develops for more than o
ne reason, some of which include:
Overloading pressure beneath the metatarsal heads.
The foot structure / shape of your feet - flat footed, high-arched foot.
Changes in activity levels or repetitive loading.
Menopause or Osteopaenia/Osteoporosis.
Non-optimal footwear
Irritation of the joints, soft tissues or nerves.
Previous injuries or arthritis.
What it can lead to
If the underlying cause is not addressed, symptoms worsen and affect walking as your body alters your walking subconsciously to reduce pain.
It can lead to increased time away from exercise and everyday activities.
At worse, this could develop in to stress fractures that require significant offloading.
What you can do for it
Temporarily reduce activities that aggravate the pain.
Seek advice on footwear and ensure you are wearing the right shoe for you.
Avoid pushing through worsening symptoms.
Try gentle foot and calf mobility exercises if comfortable.
Monitor the area for swelling, skin changes or wounds.
Seek professional advice if the pain persists or keeps returning.
What podiatrists can do for it
Assess what the specific condition is
Assess what the cause is
Offload and reduce pressure.
Provide treatment advice.
Refer for imaging.
If you have pain in any area of your feet, it is worth being assessed to see what the cause is, as most of the time there is a simple fix. If you ignore it, it could get worse and take longer to get better again.
Red Flags
Seek prompt medical advice for severe or sudden pain, significant swelling or redness, new numbness, an open wound, or pain that is not improving with rest. If you have diabetes, reduced sensation or poor circulation, seek prompt advice about any new foot wound or concerning change.
Could an MSK Assessment Help?
If foot pain is affecting your walking, exercise or daily life, an MSK / Biomechanical Assessment can help investigate the possible causes.
At Momentum Podiatry, we assess how your feet move and how pressure is distributed when you walk. Where clinically appropriate, we can recommend custom insoles designed around your feet and individual needs.
Book an MSK assessment to explore your symptoms and find a suitable plan to help you move more comfortably.
This information is for general guidance and does not replace an individual assessment.
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