Sharp ball-of-foot pain is an indication of Metatarsalgia, a foot ailment that involves inflammation to the nerves adjoining the metatarsal bones. This type of condition is common among athletes involved in high-impact sports such as running, basketball, tennis, etc., as well as women who frequently wear high-heeled shoes.

Symptoms of Metatarsalgia
People afflicted by ball of foot pain often feel intense pain in the area of the sole directly behind the toes, more commonly known as the balls of our feet. This pain can sharp, dull, or burning, and is commonly felt near the big toe, or around the middle toes. These are the most recurrent symptoms related to metatarsalgia pain:

  • The pain aggravates when flexing the feet.
  • The pain intensifies when walking barefoot, particularly on hard surfaces.
  • Stinging or numbness of the toes
  • You feel like you’re walking on pebbles
  • The ache gets aggravated when you stand, walk, or run, and gets better after resting.
  • Sharp pain in the toes

Causes of Metatarsalgia
The metatarsal bones take the brunt of our weight when pushing-off while running or jumping, which can be the equivalent to several times your body weight. Among the many factors causing metatarsalgia pain are extreme sports training, irregular foot anatomy, being overweight, improper footwear, and constant use of high-heel shoes.

Possible Complications
If the symptoms of metatarsalgia pain are not treated in a timely manner, this condition has the potential to deteriorate to more severe ailments such as loss of range of motion, ligament injuries, problems with the toes, and chronic stiffness. In extreme cases, necrosis can develop and collapse the entire bone structure.

Treating Metatarsalgia Pain
Healing metatarsalgia pain usually does not require extreme measures. The most recommended treatments for metatarsalgia pain are:

Get plenty of rest - Avoid putting unneeded pressure on your feet by resting. In short time you may practice low-impact activities such as rowing, cycling, or swimming.

Ice It - Use ice packs on the affected area for 15 to 20 minutes at a time, several times a day.

Wear proper footwear - Shoes need to fit properly and be of the appropriate for the type of activity that you plan to get involved in.

Wear arch support insoles – The use of appropriate orthotic shoe insoles can provide the needed sustainment to reduce pressure on the metatarsal area.

The use of arch support insoles can be an essential part of most treatments for metatarsalgia pain. The use of metatarsal pads can also help to alleviate the pressure around the metatarsal area.

Most of the cases concerning metatarsalgia pain do not require medical care. It is common for our feet to be sore after a long day of standing or intense physical activity. Talk to your doctor if the pain or burning sensation if the metatarsalgia pain does not improve after changing your activities and wearing arch support insoles.

Having chronic metatarsal pain can be an unpleasant experience, but by taking the proper care of your feet with the treatment options recommended above you can return to your normal activities in a short amount of time.