Ball of Foot Pain

We put a lot of weight through the ball of our foot each day, which can overstress one or more structures in the soles of our feet. Day-to-day activities and aging will lead to deterioration in the fat pad in the ball of the foot, which cushions joints, ligaments, bones, and nerves.

Metatarsalgia is a catch-all term for pain in the ball of the foot due to

• pinched nerves (Morton’s neuroma) leading to numbness and tingling in the toes.
• plantar plate disruption leading to hammer toes.
• arthritis and joint inflammation.
• stress fractures
• overloading from prolonged use of high heels, sport, or occupation.

Correct assessment and diagnosis are important so that treatment can be directed to the issues causing your pain.

Treatment may involve changing to a more cushioned lower heel shoe, metatarsal pads, or orthoses to redistribute pressure, anti-inflammatory medication, ice, or cortisone infiltration into the joints, bursa, or around the nerve. We can reduce or eliminate pain in the ball of the foot without surgery; however, surgery may sometimes be required.

For information about surgical treatment, please click the following link: https://myfootsurgeon.com.au/conditions/ball-of-foot-pain