Ball of the Foot and Toe Pain- Metatarsalgia

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Darlene Rempel, C Ped (C) Jean Grant

Ball of the Foot and Toe Pain- Metatarsalgia

One of the most common afflictions affecting North Americans is a condition called Metatarsalgia. Metatarsalgia is a catch-all phrase that basically means "a pain in the ball of the foot".

The ball of the foot is made up of 5 joints called the metatarsophalangeal joints. It is the joint at which the toes begin. These joints have movement in a hinge form, up and down to move the toes. Many tendons and structures attach at this joint including the plantar fascia (a band of tissue that holds up your arch and begins at your heel).
Underneath these joints, there exists a natural fat pad for absorption of shock and protection to the joint. Also, an arch exists at this joint in an upward arc.

Pain in this area can be as a result of the arch dropping, causing the joints to come in contact with the ground with more pressure than usual. Pain in the ball of the foot can range from a dull ache to a sharp shooting pain, occassionally proceeding right into the toes. The fat pad will also disperse and fail to do it's job if trauma occurs there, if improper shoes are worn or when the arch drops. A flat or dropped medial longitudinal arch, on the inside of your foot, can contribute to the pain in the ball of your foot as well.

Callouses are hardened, thickened skin that slowly build up in an area of the foot that has unnecessary pressures or friction exerted on it over a long period of time. Corns are the same as a callous, however, are very pin-pointed areas of pressure that build up over a short time. The mechanics of our feet, along with footwear choices can contribute to an increase of callouses or corns. The build up of tissue in a small area can produce a very hard "ball" or "corn-shaped" material. This hardened corn will get pushed up into the soft tissue of our feet with regular weightbearing over that particular spot.

Most metatarsalgia conditions and callous problems can be resolved with custom made orthotics designed to control biomechanical action, redistribute pressure and help maintain the metatarsal arch. Custom foot orthotics can provide cushioning and shock absorption and will support both of these arches. Foot orthotics are often enough to alleviate any pain in the ball of your foot. Choosing footwear is also important. High heeled shoes are often the culprit of aching balls of the feet.

A Canadian Cerified Pedorthist can determine a treatment plan for you. Ask your doctor if seeing a Pedorthist and orthotics are right for you.