Why Does the Ball of Your Foot Hurt?
If you’re feeling a burning, aching, or stabbing pain in the ball of your foot – especially when standing, walking, or running – you could be dealing with metatarsalgia. It’s a common condition that affects people of all ages, often caused by pressure or inflammation in the metatarsal region (just behind your toes).
At Yeargain Foot & Ankle in Dallas, we see this often in patients who are active, wear tight or unsupportive shoes, or have certain foot shapes. Fortunately, it’s very treatable.
What Is Metatarsalgia?
Metatarsalgia is pain and inflammation in the metatarsal heads, the bones just behind your toes. It’s not a specific injury, but rather a symptom of stress or imbalance in the front part of the foot.
Common Causes of Metatarsalgia
- High-impact activity like running or jumping
- Poor footwear (high heels, unsupportive flats, worn-out athletic shoes)
- Foot shape or deformities (high arches, bunions, hammertoes)
- Weight shifts due to age, pregnancy, or excess weight
- Underlying conditions like arthritis, Morton’s neuroma, or tight calf muscles
Symptoms to Watch For
- Sharp or aching pain in the ball of your foot
- Tingling or numbness in your toes
- Pain that worsens with activity or when barefoot
- Feeling like there’s a pebble in your shoe
- Increased discomfort when wearing narrow shoes or high heels
How We Diagnose It at Yeargain Foot & Ankle
Our doctors will perform a thorough physical exam, gait analysis, and imaging (like X-rays or ultrasound) to rule out fractures, neuromas, or joint conditions. This allows us to pinpoint the cause of pressure in your forefoot and customize treatment accordingly.
Effective Treatment Options
1. Footwear Changes
Switch to supportive shoes with:
- A roomy toe box
- Cushioned soles
- A low heel drop
Avoid high heels and thin-soled shoes until symptoms improve.
2. Custom Orthotics
We may recommend custom insoles to correct pressure imbalances and provide long-term relief.
3. Activity Modifications
Temporary rest from high-impact activities, paired with low-impact alternatives (like swimming or cycling), can help the inflammation settle down.
4. Padding and Taping
Metatarsal pads, toe spacers, or taping can help offload the irritated area.
5. Stretching & Strengthening
Addressing calf tightness and improving foot stability can relieve ongoing pressure on the forefoot.
6. Advanced Therapies
In some cases, corticosteroid injections or regenerative treatments (like platelet-rich plasma) may be appropriate.
Don’t Let Forefoot Pain Slow You Down
If you’re experiencing persistent ball-of-foot pain, don’t wait until it affects your mobility. At Yeargain Foot & Ankle in Dallas, we’ll help you get back on your feet, pain-free.
Book your appointment today.
