Metatarsalgia is a general term for pain and inflammation in the ball of your foot, just behind your toes. It typically affects the metatarsal heads—the bones that bear your weight when you walk or stand.
It might feel like:
A burning or aching pain under your foot
Sharp pain when stepping off your toes
A sensation like you’re walking on a pebble
There isn’t one single cause, but several factors can contribute:
Overuse or high-impact activities (like running or jumping)
Foot structure issues (flat feet, high arches, long second toes)
Poor footwear (unsupportive shoes, high heels, or tight toe boxes)
Weight gain (more pressure on the forefoot)
Previous injuries (such as stress fractures)
Medical conditions (arthritis, diabetes, or Morton’s neuroma)
If you’re wondering whether your foot pain is Metatarsalgia, here are signs to watch for:
Pain in the ball of your foot when standing, walking, or running
Burning or tingling sensation under the toes
Numbness or shooting pain in the forefoot
Worse pain when barefoot or wearing unsupportive shoes
The wrong shoes can make Metatarsalgia worse. Look for:
Cushioned soles — especially under the ball of the foot
Wide toe box — to reduce pressure on the forefoot
Arch support — to improve weight distribution
Low or no heel — high heels shift your weight forward
Shock absorption — to reduce ground impact
Avoid flip-flops, thin-soled shoes, or worn-out sneakers.
You don’t always need a doctor right away — try these simple fixes first:
Rest your feet and avoid high-impact activities
Ice the painful area to reduce inflammation
Use metatarsal pads or cushioned inserts
Massage and stretch your feet and calves
Wear supportive shoes even at home (avoid walking barefoot)
If symptoms don’t improve in 1–2 weeks, it’s time to get checked out.
Custom orthotics are one of the most effective treatments for Metatarsalgia. These are doctor-prescribed shoe inserts designed to:
Offload pressure from the metatarsals
Support your arch and heel
Improve your walking mechanics
At our Plano podiatry clinic, we offer custom orthotics molded to your feet to relieve pain and prevent future flare-ups.
Usually not! With the right care—rest, proper shoes, and orthotics—most people recover fully.
You might need to cut back temporarily. Cross-training (like swimming or cycling) can keep you active without stressing your feet.
If your foot pain lasts longer than 2 weeks or worsens over time, it’s smart to see a foot specialist for an evaluation.
Foot pain isn’t something you should just “deal with.” If you're struggling with persistent pain in the ball of your foot, let us help you get back to walking and running comfortably. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Gireesh Reddy or Dr. Sirisha Pokala by calling (469) 573-3427 or by booking an appointment online.