Pain in the ball of your foot can occur for a number of reasons. This padded area in the front of your forefoot is used for weight distribution, pushing off and balance.
Symptoms can include sharp, burning pain, tingling and increased pain with activity. Understanding the causes and prevention of this condition can help you regain comfort in your feet.
Causes
The forefoot, which is the area of the foot that includes the toes and ball of the foot, endures a lot of pressure as we walk, run and exercise. The structure of the foot is complex and is composed of muscles, tendons, ligaments and bones. The forefoot is particularly susceptible to injury and pain because it bears the weight of the body, distributes it and pushes off during movement.
Strenuous activities, overuse and poor footwear can stress the soft tissue in the forefoot and cause pain in the ball of the foot (metatarsalgia). People who engage in high-impact activities that place repetitive stress on the feet (like runners) are especially prone to this type of foot pain.
Athletes who participate in sports that involve repetitive running or jumping, workers who spend long hours on their feet and people who have foot conditions like bunions, hammer toes or flat feet are also at increased risk for developing ball of foot pain.
If you experience sharp, aching or burning pain in the ball of your foot along with symptoms such as numbness or tingling, see a podiatrist right away for diagnosis and treatment. Your doctor may employ X-rays, a bone scan, an ultrasound or MRI to diagnose the underlying cause of the pain. Your doctor may also recommend certain lifestyle changes or prescription or over-the-counter medication to help manage your condition and pain.
Symptoms
The symptoms of ball of foot pain are often a dull ache or sharp burning sensation that may feel like walking on a pebble. It can also cause numbness or tingling, and the pain can get worse with activity. Other symptoms of ball of foot pain can include swelling and redness.
The medical term for pain in the ball of the foot is metatarsalgia, but the condition has many causes. For example, bunions or hammer toes can change the alignment of the toes and shift pressure onto the ball of the foot. Inflammation of the small bones called sesamoid bones, which are embedded in the tendons underneath the big toe, is another common cause of metatarsalgia.
People with gout, arthritis, or other health conditions such as diabetes can also have ball of foot pain. A doctor will evaluate your symptoms and do a physical exam. They will order x-rays or other diagnostic tests, such as blood tests or an ultrasound, to determine the cause of your pain.
Prevention is key to managing and eliminating ball of foot pain. Wearing supportive shoes, staying within a healthy weight range, and avoiding high-impact activities can all help reduce your risk of developing the condition.
Diagnosis
If you have aching pain and swelling in the ball of your foot, especially if it’s severe or lasts more than a few days, see a medical professional for diagnosis and treatment. Depending on the cause, your doctor may take X-rays to check for a stress fracture or a Morton neuroma (thickened tissue around nerves leading to the toes). They might also perform a bone scan to pinpoint areas of inflammation or an ultrasound to identify bursitis and/or a Morton neuroma.
The good news is that the vast majority of cases of ball of foot pain are resolved with conservative measures such as rest, ice, over-the-counter painkillers, and changing to more comfortable shoes that fit your feet better. In many cases, a change to a more supportive shoe will reduce pain and symptoms within days.
If the pain is caused by a condition such as a hammer toe or pinched nerve, you might require corrective surgery. If your problem is related to anatomical factors like high arches, however, orthotics can provide relief. These are inserts that go into your shoes to provide additional support and cushioning for your feet. They are available over-the-counter or from a foot specialist. Often, a podiatrist can custom fit orthotics for you to ensure that they are the right shape and size for your feet.
Treatment
Many different conditions and habits can cause pain in the ball of your foot. It’s important to recognize the symptoms and seek proper treatment to reduce your pain and prevent future problems.
In general, any activity that puts repetitive stress on the ball of your foot can lead to painful conditions such as metatarsalgia and Morton’s neuroma. Those who participate in high-impact activities like running and jumping, those with jobs that require standing for long periods of time or those with foot deformities such as bunions and hammertoes are at a higher risk.
Often, pain in the ball of your foot will improve with rest and using proper footwear. If your shoes are too tight across the ball of your foot, this can increase pressure in this area and aggravate your condition. It’s also helpful to switch to a wider shoe or use inserts to provide cushioning and support in your footwear.
If your pain continues, contact a foot doctor for more intensive treatments. Your doctor will perform tests to pinpoint the exact location of your pain and the underlying cause of your symptoms. These may include a physical exam, an X-ray, a blood test for gout or arthritis, or an ultrasound or MRI. If the pain is caused by a callus, your doctor may trim this off to reduce the pressure on your foot. They may also recommend a steroid injection to decrease inflammation. If these conservative treatments fail to relieve your pain, corrective surgery may be an option.