What causes ball of foot pain?
Pain in the ball of your foot, known as “metatarsalgia,” isn’t something you should ignore. It’s a sign that you may have injury or damage to bones, tendons, muscles, or other structures in your forefoot. If you have acute or chronic ball of foot pain, it could be related to:
- Arthritis
- Morton’s neuroma
- High arches or flat feet
- Obesity or being overweight
- Foot fractures, such as stress fractures
You may even experience pain in the ball of your foot because you regularly wear tight, pointy, or high-heeled shoes, which can all lead to excessive pressure on your forefoot.
When should I see a podiatrist for pain in the ball of my foot?
You should visit the office of Francine Rhinehart, DPM, for a comprehensive foot exam if you’re experiencing any kind of discomfort in the ball, arch, or heel of your foot. It’s particularly important to come in as soon as possible if you have:
- Burning, sharp, or electrical pains
- Discomfort that worsens with activity
- Numbness or tingling
You should also book an evaluation with Dr. Rhinehart if you have ball of foot pain that makes it feel like you have a pebble or marble in your shoe, even if nothing is there.
Dr. Rhinehart performs thorough diagnostic testing and gathers images if needed, so she can diagnose you and talk with you about treatment options.
How is ball of foot pain treated?
Treating pain in the ball of your foot involves combining therapies to relieve inflammation, promote healing, and prevent further issues. Dr. Rhinehart may recommend any of the following:
- Custom orthotics
- Injection therapy
- Footwear modifications
- Amniotic regenerative therapy
- Personalized foot stretches
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Dr. Rhinehart even provides Sculptra® injections for ball of foot pain. Sculptra helps rebuild connective tissue matrices and adds extra plumpness, so you experience quick and effective relief.
These modern injections can last for at least six months, but they’ve helped many patients resolve ball of foot pain for up to two years.
Book your exam to have your ball of foot pain checked out at the practice of Francine Rhinehart, DPM, today. Simply click on the online scheduler or call the clinic directly to book a visit.
