Pain in the ball of the foot affects the area beneath the metatarsal heads, which are the bones located just behind the toes. This part of the foot absorbs significant pressure during walking, running, and standing.
When excessive load is placed on the forefoot, irritation of the joints, nerves, or soft tissues may occur, leading to discomfort.
Common Symptoms
People experiencing pain in the ball of the foot may notice:
Pain beneath the forefoot when walking
Burning or aching beneath the toes
Sharp pain when pushing off during walking
A sensation similar to standing on a small pebble
Tingling or numbness in the toes
Symptoms may gradually worsen with activity.
Possible Causes
Pain in the ball of the foot can occur for several reasons, including:
Metatarsalgia
Morton’s neurom
Capsulitis
Sesamoiditis
Foot mechanics such as flat feet, high arches, or excessive pronation may also increase strain
on certain parts of the foot.
Assessment and Diagnosis
At Absolute Footcare, forefoot pain is assessed through a gait and biomechanical assessment. This allows us to evaluate how pressure is distributed across the foot during walking and identify factors contributing to increased forefoot loading.
Treatments
Treatment depends on the underlying cause identified during your assessment.
Possible treatments may include:
Custom Orthotics
Rehabilitation exercises
Shockwave therapy
Footwear Advice
Steroid Injection
Biomechanical and Gait analysis
Book a Gait and Biomechanical Assessment
If you are experiencing ongoing foot pain, the best first step is to book a gait and biomechanical assessment so the underlying cause can be identified.