The ball of the foot is the padded portion of the sole between the toes and the arch, underneath the heads of the metatarsal bones.
Where is the ball of foot?
The balls of the feet are the slightly padded areas under the foot just further down from the toes. This area contains a number of structures that can develop symptoms. There is a lot of pressure applied to these areas during activity, such as when walking or running.
What does ball of foot pain mean?
Pain in the ball of your foot is often caused by exercise, such as running, wearing shoes that are too tight or a condition such as arthritis. Some people also have a foot shape that puts extra pressure on the ball of the foot. Hard or cracked skin or a verruca can also cause this type of pain.
How do you relieve pain in the ball of your foot?
Although generally not serious, metatarsalgia can sideline you. Fortunately, at-home treatments, such as ice and rest, often relieve symptoms. Wearing proper footwear with shock-absorbing insoles or arch supports might prevent or minimize future problems with metatarsalgia.
What is the ball on the bottom of your foot called?
The joint between the metatarsals and the first phalanx is called the metatarsal phalangeal joint (MTP). These joints form the ball of the foot, and movement in these joints is very important for a normal walking pattern.
Can you break the ball of your foot?
A metatarsal fracture is a break or a thin, hairline crack to one of the metatarsal bones of the foot. This type of fracture usually happens from repeated stress on the bones of the foot. Or it can happen when a person jumps or changes direction quickly and twists his or her foot or ankle the wrong way.
When should I see a doctor for ball of foot pain?
Have severe pain or swelling. Have an open wound or a wound that is oozing pus. Have signs of infection, such as redness, warmth and tenderness in the affected area or you have a fever over 100 F (37.8 C) Are unable to walk or put weight on your foot.
What shoes are good for ball of foot pain?
The 9 Best Running Shoes for Ball of Foot Pain
- On Running Cloudmonster.
- Hoka Bondi 7.
- Hoka Clifton 8.
- Hoka Carbon X 2.
- Nike Zoom Fly 3.
- Nike Infinity React.
- New Balance Fresh Foam More v2.
- Asics Glideride.
Is metatarsalgia a form of arthritis?
Metatarsalgia can have a number of different causes, including wearing unsupportive footwear, conditions such as arthritis, and doing high-impact sports. It can be very uncomfortable and interfere with your normal activities, but will often improve with some simple self-help measures. What causes metatarsalgia?
How do you get rid of metatarsalgia?
Lifestyle and home remedies
- Rest. Protect your foot from further injury by not stressing it.
- Ice the affected area. Apply ice packs to the affected area for about 20 minutes at a time several times a day.
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever.
- Wear proper shoes.
- Use metatarsal pads.
- Consider arch supports.
Will metatarsalgia ever go away?
Metatarsalgia can go away on its own, but treatment is recommended as it can significantly speed up the rate of recovery. Generally, the first line of management involves the use of home remedies, including; Resting the foot. Elevating the foot to reduce swelling.
How long does metatarsalgia take to heal?
Treatment. Ball of the foot pain or Metatarsalgia generally takes 6-8 weeks to improve and early activity on the healing bone and joint can result in a setback in recovery. Non-compliance can double the recovery time and can be very frustrating for patients.
Is ball of foot pain plantar fasciitis?
(Plantar Fasciitis)
Plantar fasciosis is pain originating from the dense band of tissue called the plantar fascia that extends from the bottom of the heel bone to the base of the toes (ball of the foot). The connective tissue between the heel and ball of the foot may become damaged and painful.
What are parts of foot called?
The forefoot contains the five toes (phalanges) and the five longer bones (metatarsals). The midfoot is a pyramid-like collection of bones that form the arches of the feet. These include the three cuneiform bones, the cuboid bone, and the navicular bone. The hindfoot forms the heel and ankle.
What causes nerve pain in ball of foot?
Morton’s neuroma involves a thickening of the tissue around one of the nerves leading to your toes. This can cause a sharp, burning pain in the ball of your foot. You may have stinging, burning or numbness in the affected toes. High-heeled or tight shoes have been linked to the development of Morton’s neuroma.
How do you stretch the ball of your foot?
Sit in a chair and put your affected foot on your other knee. Hold the heel of your foot in one hand, and grasp your toes with the other hand. Pull on your heel (toward your body), and at the same time pull your toes back with your other hand. You should feel a stretch along the bottom of your foot.
Do you need a boot for a metatarsal fracture?
This is a common fracture. You will be given a removable boot to wear to support your foot; this should be used for two to six weeks to enable you to walk more comfortably whilst the injury heals. You only need to wear this when standing or walking, you can remove it at rest, at night and when bathing or showering.
Will a broken 5th metatarsal heal if I walk on it?
What can I expect if I have a fifth metatarsal fracture? If providers treat your fracture with immobilization, you can expect to heal in six to eight weeks. Recovery from fifth metatarsal fracture surgery usually takes up to seven weeks. You’ll need to keep weight off your foot for at least six weeks.
Is it OK to walk on a broken metatarsal?
Depending on the type and severity of your injury, you may be able to walk on a broken metatarsal. Some people find they can’t tolerate any weight at all. Others can still walk, especially if it’s a mild fracture.
Can foot pain be related to heart problems?
Swelling: When heart failure happens, it can make fluid build-up in the body, causing feet and ankles to swell. This can also happen in other body parts, leading to rapid weight gain. Numbness and Pain: When these symptoms occur in the feet it can be an indication of peripheral artery disease.
What is the best painkiller for foot pain?
Oral analgesic medications such as acetaminophen (paracetamol) or aspirin are often the first line choice for quick relief of foot pain. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen are also often recommended and can help to reduce inflammation at the same time.