Metatarsalgia is the name for pain in the ball of the foot

Metatarsalgia is a general term used to denote a painful foot condition in the metatarsal region of the foot (the area just before the toes, more commonly referred to as the ball-of-the-foot). This is a common foot disorder that can affect the bones and joints at the ball-of-the-foot. Metatarsalgia (ball-of-foot-pain) is often located under the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th metatarsal heads, or more isolated at the first metatarsal head (near the big toe).

  • It may be felt in a small area of the foot, or across the whole width of it.
  • One or both feet may be affected.
  • The pain is most when walking (especially on your toes) or engaging in sports.
  • Discomfort when wearing shoes and socks.
  • Pain during activities where impact is applied to the foot, such as running.
  • Badly fitting footwear – high-heeled or restrictive shoes can force the ball of the foot into a small amount of space, which puts more pressure on that area
  • High-impact sports – sports like running or tennis put extra pressure on the feet
  • Being overweight or obese – this can also increase the pressure on the feet
  • An unusual bone structure in the feet – having narrow, high-arched or flat feet or reduced forefoot/transverse arches can increase the chances of metatarsalgia
  • Joint and foot conditions – including arthritis, gout, bunions, bursitis, Morton’s neuroma, hammer toes, weak foot intrinsic muscles and stress fractures
  • As we get older, the fat pad in our foot tends to thin out, making us much more susceptible to pain in the ball-of-the-foot.
  • Use an ice pack – apply an ice pack to the affected area for about 20 minutes several times a day
  • Change your footwear – Footwear designed with a high, wide toe box (toe area) and a rocker sole is ideal for treating metatarsalgia.
  • Orthotics designed to relieve ball-of-foot pain usually feature a metatarsal pad.
  • Maintain a healthy weight – adopting a healthy, balanced diet and doing regular low-impact exercises can help you lose weight if you’re overweight
  • Corrective Metatarsalgia Exercises
  • Cold Pack
  • Orthotics
  • Shoes with wide toe box
  • Metatarsal Raise
  • Metatarsal Gel Pad