Ball of Foot Pain? Understanding Metatarsalgia and How to Treat It

Do you feel sharp pain, burning, or aching in the ball of your foot, especially when standing, walking, or running? You may be experiencing metatarsalgia—a common but often misunderstood foot condition. While not usually serious, metatarsalgia can limit your mobility and quality of life if left untreated.

At Restore Foot & Ankle Specialists, we frequently treat patients with this condition and help them return to pain-free activity.

What Is Metatarsalgia?

Metatarsalgia refers to pain and inflammation in the metatarsal region, which is the ball of the foot just behind your toes. This area bears significant pressure when you walk, run, or stand for long periods, which makes it vulnerable to overuse and injury.

Symptoms of Metatarsalgia

Patients often describe:

• Sharp, aching, or burning pain in the ball of the foot

• Pain that worsens during standing, walking, or running

• Tingling or numbness in the toes

• A feeling like you’re “walking on a pebble”

• Increased discomfort when wearing tight shoes or high heels

Symptoms may develop gradually over time and tend to be worse during high-impact activities.

Common Causes of Metatarsalgia

Several factors can contribute to excessive stress on the metatarsal bones:

• High-impact activities like running, jumping, or sports with repetitive pounding

• Improper footwear, especially high heels, narrow shoes, or unsupportive sneakers

• Foot structure issues such as high arches, flat feet, or long second toes

• Excess body weight, which increases pressure on the forefoot

• Other foot conditions such as bunions, hammertoes, or Morton’s neuroma

• Aging, since natural fat padding under the foot thins over time

How Podiatrists Diagnose Metatarsalgia

Diagnosis begins with a thorough physical exam and review of symptoms. Your podiatrist may:

• Check for tenderness in the metatarsal region

• Assess foot structure and gait mechanics

• Order X-rays or imaging to rule out stress fractures or arthritis

• Evaluate footwear for improper fit or wear patterns

Treatment Options for Metatarsalgia

The good news: most cases improve with conservative treatment. Your podiatrist may recommend:

• Rest and ice to reduce inflammation

• Supportive footwear with wide toe boxes and good cushioning

• Custom orthotics or metatarsal pads to offload pressure from the ball of the foot

• Anti-inflammatory medications to manage pain

• Stretching and strengthening exercises for the calves, arches, and toes

• Weight management strategies to reduce pressure on the forefoot

In rare cases, if conservative treatments fail, surgical intervention may be considered to correct underlying structural issues.

Prevention Tips

To lower your risk of metatarsalgia:

• Choose shoes with proper cushioning and support

• Avoid prolonged use of high heels or tight-fitting footwear

• Replace worn-out shoes regularly

• Warm up and stretch before physical activity

• Use orthotics if you have flat feet, high arches, or other structural issues

The Bottom Line

Metatarsalgia is a common cause of pain in the ball of the foot, but it doesn’t have to stop you from staying active. With the right care—from supportive footwear to custom orthotics—most patients recover fully.

✅ At Restore Foot & Ankle Specialists, we specialize in diagnosing and treating forefoot pain, including metatarsalgia. If you’re experiencing persistent pain in the ball of your foot, don’t ignore it—schedule your consultation today and get back on your feet.