Ball of foot pain
What is Ball of Foot pain
Ball of foot pain, also known as metatarsalgia, is a condition characterized by discomfort or inflammation in the area just behind your toes on the bottom of the foot. It often feels like a sharp, burning pain or a sensation of having a pebble in your shoe. Common causes include overuse from high-impact activities, wearing poorly fitted shoes (such as high heels), or having foot abnormalities like high arches or bunions. Age-related thinning of the foot’s fat pads or medical conditions like arthritis and Morton’s neuroma can also contribute to the issue.
Symptoms
- Sharp, aching, or burning pain in the ball of your foot.
- Pain that worsens with activity, especially running, jumping, or standing for long periods.
- A sensation of having a pebble or lump in your shoe.
- Swelling, redness, or tenderness in the affected area.
- Tingling or numbness in the toes.
Effective treatment
Self-Care
- Rest: Avoid activities that aggravate the pain.
- Ice: Apply ice packs for 15–20 minutes several times a day to reduce swelling and pain.
- Footwear: Choose shoes with good arch support, wide toe boxes, and cushioning. Avoid high heels.
- Pads or Orthotics: Use metatarsal pads or custom orthotic inserts to distribute pressure more evenly.
- Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage pain.
Medical Treatments
- Physical Therapy: Exercises to strengthen and stretch the foot and reduce stress on the ball of the foot.
- Steroid Injections: For persistent inflammation or pain.
- Shockwave Therapy: Stimulates healing in chronic cases.
- Surgery: Rarely needed, but it may be an option if conservative treatments fail and the underlying cause requires correction.
Offering a bespoke service that’s designed around individual needs.
Address
Dunford Health, 35 Green End,
Whitchurch, SY13 1AD
Phone
01948 233132
Email
contact@dunfordhealth.co.uk