If you’ve ever felt like you’re walking on a pebble—or if there’s a burning, stabbing pain just behind your toes—you’re not alone. Pain in the ball of the foot, also known as metatarsalgia, is one of the most common foot complaints we see at Foot & Ankle Associates of Southern NH.

It can sneak up on you after a long day or hit hard after a quick run. Either way, it's your foot’s way of saying: “Hey, something’s not right.”

Let’s break down what might be causing that discomfort—and how we can fix it.

What Causes Pain in the Ball of the Foot?

Pain in this area can be caused by a variety of conditions. Here are the usual suspects:

1. Metatarsalgia
A general term for inflammation and pain in the ball of the foot, often caused by repetitive stress or improper footwear.

2. Morton’s Neuroma
A thickening of nerve tissue between the toes—usually between the 3rd and 4th toes—that can feel like you’re stepping on a marble or cause numbness and tingling.

3. Hammertoes or Bunions
These deformities can shift pressure onto the ball of the foot, leading to pain and callusing.

4. Fat Pad Atrophy
As we age, the natural cushion under our feet can thin out, leaving bones more exposed and painful with each step.

5. High Heels or Unsupportive Shoes
Shoes that shift your weight forward can place too much pressure on the metatarsal heads (the ball of the foot), resulting in pain and inflammation.

6. Sports or High-Impact Activities
Running, jumping, and repetitive pounding can cause microtrauma and swelling in the forefoot area.

How We Treat It—Effectively

At Foot & Ankle Associates of Southern NH, we tailor each treatment to your unique lifestyle and condition. Here’s how we help:

1. Proper Footwear Advice
We’ll help you find supportive shoes that distribute pressure evenly—say goodbye to those flimsy flip-flops and sky-high heels!

2. Custom Orthotics
These inserts are designed specifically for your feet to offload pressure and align your stride properly.

3. Padding and Offloading
Simple cushioning techniques can provide instant relief while your foot heals.

4. Physical Therapy
Stretching and strengthening exercises improve foot mechanics and reduce recurring stress.

5. Corticosteroid Injections
For nerve-related pain like Morton’s neuroma, a well-placed injection can ease inflammation and restore comfort.

6. Surgery (Only if Necessary)
In rare cases where conservative options fail, surgical correction may be recommended. Our goal is always to restore function with the least invasive option possible.

The Step Forward

Persistent pain in the ball of your foot is not something to ignore. Left untreated, it can lead to chronic issues and alter how you walk—creating new problems in your knees, hips, and back.

Our team is here to help you take that next step pain-free. With personalized care, state-of-the-art treatments, and a whole lot of empathy, we’ll guide you back to your best self.